A former NFL player, Kevin Johnson, was discovered dead Wednesday morning in a Los Angeles homeless encampment, a tragic fall from the world of professional football. He was just 55 years old.
Police responded to a call near Willowbrook just before 8 a.m., finding Johnson already deceased. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office determined he died from both blunt force trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds, officially ruling the death a homicide.
Those who knew him say Johnson had been living at the encampment, a stark reality for a man who once commanded attention on the football field. Friends described a gentle giant, a man deeply cherished by those in his inner circle.
“He was my best friend,” recalled Bruce Todd, a longtime companion. “I was best man at his wedding… Great guy, fun-loving.” The loss is being keenly felt by the community that had come to rely on his presence.
A shadow of concern hangs over the circumstances of Johnson’s decline, with friends suggesting that health issues stemming from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, may have contributed to his struggles. The long-term effects of repeated head trauma are a growing concern for former football players.
Johnson’s professional journey began in 1993 when the New England Patriots drafted him in the fourth round. Though he never played a down for the Patriots, his career soon took shape with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1995.
It was with the Philadelphia Eagles, from 1995 to 1996, that Johnson saw his most significant playing time, appearing in 38 NFL games. A memorable moment from that era includes a fumble recovery he ran back for a touchdown, a highlight reel play that showcased his athleticism.
After his time with the Eagles, Johnson continued his career with the Raiders in 1997, followed by a transition to the Arena Football League. He played for the Orlando Predators in 1998 and 1999, and later with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2001, extending his professional football career for several more years.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Johnson’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by former athletes, and the vulnerability that can follow a life lived in the public eye. His death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The investigation into his death is ongoing, as authorities seek to understand the events that led to this tragic outcome and bring those responsible to justice.
