Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson killed in homeless camp in LA

Former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson was killed in a violent attack at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles County, with authorities ruling his death a homicide. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined on Jan. 23 that Johnson died of blunt head trauma and stab wounds. The case is still under investigation.

Johnson, 55, was found Jan. 21 at the encampment, where authorities believe he was alive, The New York Times reports. His death has drawn national attention due to his professional football career, as well as a renewed focus on the challenges some former athletes face after leaving the sport.

A native of Southern California, Johnson began his football journey at Los Angeles Harbor College before transferring to HBCU Texas Southern University. He played for the Tigers from 1991 to 1992 and was part of a defensive unit that attracted the interest of NFL scouts. During his time at Texas Southern, Johnson was a teammate of Michael Strahan, who would later become a Pro Football Hall of Famer. HBCU game day reports.

Johnson entered the 1993 NFL Draft and was selected in the fourth round by the New England Patriots. He was released before the regular season started. After offseason stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia claimed Johnson off waivers prior to the 1995–96 season, and he went on to appear in 13 Eagles games, including two postseason contests. The Eagles re-signed Johnson in 1996, and he played in 12 games and made five starts that season before Philadelphia released him in December. The Raiders waived him and he played in 15 games during the 1997–98 season, but was released again in March 1998.

Over three NFL seasons, Johnson recorded 54 tackles, seven sacks and returned a fumble for a 37-yard touchdown. He continued his professional career in the Arena Football League from 1998 to 2001 and was part of the Orlando Predators team that won ArenaBowl XII.

In the days following his death, former teammates and friends have spoken publicly about Johnson’s problems later in life, including health problems they believed may have been related to him. linked to head trauma suffered during his football career, People reports.

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