Former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson was found dead at a homeless encampment in Willowbrook, with his death ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Johnson, 55, died from blunt head trauma and stab wounds.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of an unconscious man in the 1300 block of East 120th Street around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene just before 8 a.m.
Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment at the time of his death. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Friends of the former athlete told news outlets that Johnson had health issues in recent years that contributed to his housing instability. They also said they believe he may have suffered from CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma that has become a significant concern in football and other contact sports.
“He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding,” Bruce Todd told reporters. “Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him.”
Born on October 30, 1970, in Los Angeles, Johnson attended Westchester High before pursuing a college football career. He played at Texas Southern University, where he developed into a defensive lineman prospect strong enough to attract NFL attention.
Johnson entered the NFL in 1993 when the New England Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the draft. Though he didn’t make the Patriots’ roster, he eventually found his footing in the league. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings before landing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson’s NFL career gained traction with the Eagles, where he played from 1995 to 1996. In his first season with Philadelphia in 1995, he recorded 19 total tackles and six sacks. He also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery that year, demonstrating the kind of defensive playmaking ability that made him valuable to the team.
In 1996, Johnson logged 24 tackles and one sack with the Eagles. Over his two seasons in Philadelphia, he totaled 43 tackles and seven sacks across 23 games.
Johnson moved to the Oakland Raiders in 1997, playing in 15 games and recording 11 tackles. This would be his final season in the NFL, but his professional football career continued in a different league.
After leaving the NFL, Johnson transitioned to the Arena Football League, where he played for multiple teams. He joined the Orlando Predators and won an Arena Bowl championship with them in 1998, finding success in the fast-paced indoor version of the sport. Johnson also played for the Los Angeles Avengers, bringing his professional career back to his hometown.
The death of Johnson highlights the ongoing challenges facing former professional athletes who struggle with health issues and economic instability after their playing careers end. While the NFL and players’ union have made efforts in recent years to provide support services and healthcare benefits to retired players, the transition from professional sports to civilian life remains difficult for many.
CTE, the brain disease that Johnson’s friends believe may have affected him, cannot be definitively diagnosed until after death through brain tissue examination. The condition has been linked to depression, memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, and progressive dementia. “Research has shown that repeated concussions and subconcussive hits common in football can lead to the degenerative disease, which has been found in numerous former NFL players who donated their brains for research,” according to news reports.
The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles has worsened in recent years, with encampments becoming increasingly common throughout the county. Willowbrook, the neighborhood where Johnson was found, is located in South Los Angeles and has seen its share of the regional housing instability that affects tens of thousands of residents.
Violence at homeless encampments has become a growing concern for law enforcement and advocates alike. The vulnerable population living in these locations often faces threats from within and outside their communities, with limited access to security or emergency services.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has asked anyone with information about Johnson’s death to contact their Homicide Bureau. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter and identify any suspects involved in the killing.
Johnson’s death comes as a tragic end to a life that included the highs of professional athletic achievement and the challenges that many former players face years after their final game. His story reflects broader issues affecting retired athletes, including the need for improved long-term healthcare, mental health support, and financial planning assistance for those who dedicated years to professional sports.