Kevin Johnson, a former
NFL defensive lineman was found dead this week in a Los Angeles homeless encampment and authorities have ruled his death a homicide. Deputies discovered Johnson on Wednesday in the Willowbrook area, where he had reportedly been living for years. He suffered blunt head trauma and stab wounds and his death is now under investigation. Friends say Johnson may have been struggling with CTE, a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries in football.
Former NFL player Kevin Johnson dies after blunt force trauma and stab wounds in LA
Authorities discovered Johnson Wednesday morning at a homeless encampment in the 1300 block of East 120th Street in Willowbrook, Los Angeles. Deputies found him unresponsive and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed his cause of death as blunt head trauma and stab wounds, calling his death a homicide. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating and asking anyone with information to come forward.
Kevin Johnson had reportedly been living on the streets in Los Angeles for several years. Some friends have suggested that Johnson may have been suffering from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head impacts, which has affected many former NFL players.
While this has not been officially diagnosed, it sheds light on the long-term health challenges athletes face after leaving professional sports.
The news of Kevin Johnson’s death sparked an outpouring of frustration and anger on social media. Many fans criticized current and former NFL players, questioning why more support wasn’t available to help Johnson after his football career ended.
Some posts highlighted the league’s history with player health and homelessness, suggesting that Johnson’s struggles including his possible CTE were a reminder of the challenges athletes face once they leave the field.
His career highlights show that Johnson spent years at the top level of football before moving into smaller leagues, a path that many former pros follow after leaving the NFL.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating Johnson’s death as a homicide. No arrests have been made yet, and authorities are seeking witnesses or tips from anyone who may have information about the incident.