Former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson died tragically at age 55 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Johnson’s death a homicide, caused by blunt head trauma and stab wounds. He was found unconscious at a homeless encampment where friends said he had been living, following health struggles in later years that may have included chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
A Los Angeles native, Johnson played college football at Texas Southern University alongside Michael Strahan.
Selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft, he appeared in games for the Philadelphia Eagles (1995–1996) and Oakland Raiders (1997). With the Eagles, he recorded seven sacks and returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown.
“The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Johnson,” the team said in a statement.
The Raiders also mourned his passing.
“The Raiders Family mourns the loss of Kevin Johnson. A defensive lineman out of Texas Southern, Johnson played for the Silver and Black for one season, seeing action in 15 games in 1997. He previously played two years in Philadelphia, totaling seven sacks in 23 games,” they said in a statement. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Kevin’s family at this time.”
Johnson later played in the Arena Football League for the Orlando Predators, where he won an ArenaBowl title, and the Los Angeles Avengers.
