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Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders in the 1990s, was stabbed to death in Los Angeles, authorities said. He was 55 years old.
Johnson’s body was discovered Wednesday in a homeless encampment, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. The cause of death was listed as blunt force head trauma and stab wounds, records show.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (C) attempts to go up and score, but is stopped at the goal line by Philadelphia Eagles defenders Kurt Gouvea (54) and Kevin Johnson (94) in the first half of their game against the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia. (TOM MIHALEK/AFP via Getty Images)
His death was being investigated as a homicide. PK Press Club Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for additional comment.
“Unfortunately, it appears he was homeless,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve De Jong told Newsweek. “It looks like he probably lived there.”
Johnson’s friends and family mourned him on social media.
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Defensive lineman Kevin Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles moves down the field during a game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC on November 26, 1995. (Otto Greule Jr./Allsport)
He stood out at Texas Southern before being drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 1993. He never played against the Patriots and did not appear in an NFL game until 1995, while with the Eagles.
He played 23 games with the Eagles between two seasons. He recorded 43 tackles and seven sacks. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Johnson joined the Raiders in 1997 and had 11 tackles in 15 games.
Kevin Johnson #99 of the Los Angeles Avengers falls while trying to tackle Mike Jones #35 during the arena football game against the San Jose Sabercats at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California on June 2, 2001. (Kellie Landis/Allsport)
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The defensive tackle took a chance on Arena Football at the end of his time in the NFL. He played on both sides of the ball for the Orlando Predators and helped them win an ArenaBowl championship in 1998. He later played for the Los Angeles Avengers.
