Key Takeaways
- Former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson was found dead near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles County on January 21, 2026
- The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner cited "blunt head trauma and stab wounds" as Johnson’s cause of death
- Johnson, 55, was a Los Angeles native who played college football at Texas Southern and was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993
- He played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders in the NFL, and also played in the Arena Football League
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide investigators are continuing to examine the death, but have released limited details on their investigation
Introduction to the Incident
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide investigators are still investigating the death of former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson, who was found dead near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles County on January 21, 2026. According to a spokesperson, the investigators have released limited details on the death of Johnson, 55, who was found shortly before 8 a.m. PT near a homeless encampment roughly 10 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport. The sheriff’s office said that deputies located an unconscious adult male, later identified as Johnson, suffering from head trauma, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Cause of Death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has cited "blunt head trauma and stab wounds" as Johnson’s cause of death, and listed his place of death as a homeless encampment. Unfortunately, it appears that Johnson was homeless at the time of his death, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve De Jong. The sheriff’s office has not released additional information about its investigation, including the status of its search for a suspect. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Kevin Johnson’s Football Career
Kevin Johnson was a standout defensive lineman at Texas Southern, where he was a teammate of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan. Johnson was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft, but was released by the team in August of that year. He then made brief stops in Minnesota and Oakland as a practice squad member and training camp participant before the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him off of waivers in August 1995. Johnson played two seasons for the Eagles, appearing in 23 games and starting six of them in the regular season, with 54 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, which he also returned for a touchdown.
Later Career and Life
After being released by the Eagles in 1996, Johnson signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he appeared in 15 games and tallied seven tackles. After his release from the Raiders in 1998, Johnson played four years in the Arena Football League, winning an ArenaBowl with the Orlando Predators in 1998. Johnson’s football career was marked by both successes and challenges, and his life after football was also marked by struggles, including homelessness. The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation, and the sheriff’s office will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The death of Kevin Johnson is a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by many former NFL players, including homelessness and struggles with mental and physical health. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide investigators will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death, and the NFL and other organizations will likely be watching the investigation closely. As more information becomes available, it is likely that there will be a renewed focus on the support systems in place for former NFL players, and the need for additional resources to help them navigate the challenges of life after football. USA TODAY Sports will continue to update its reporting on Johnson’s death as new information is made available.
