Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman, was discovered dead at a homeless camp in Willowbrook, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has declared his death a homicide. Johnson, 55, sustained fatal injuries from blunt force trauma to the head and stab wounds.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a call about an unconscious man on the 1300 block of East 120th Street at around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Johnson was declared dead at the site, just before 8 a.m.
It is believed that Johnson was residing at the encampment when he was killed. The case is still under investigation, and no arrests have been made so far, according to the latest reports.
Friends of Johnson reported that his recent health issues had led to his unstable housing situation. They also speculated that he might have been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head injuries, often associated with football and other contact sports.
“He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding,” Bruce Todd said to the media. “Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him.”
Johnson, born on October 30, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, started his football journey at Westchester High before moving on to college football. At Texas Southern University, he excelled as a defensive lineman and caught the attention of NFL scouts.
His NFL journey started in 1993 when he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round. Although he didn’t make the Patriots’ roster, he eventually carved a niche for himself in the league. His career included stints with the Minnesota Vikings before he joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson’s career took off with the Eagles, playing for them from 1995 to 1996. In his debut season with Philadelphia in 1995, he managed 19 tackles and six sacks, along with a touchdown on a fumble recovery, showcasing his defensive skills.
In 1996, Johnson recorded 24 tackles and one sack with the Eagles. Over his two-season stint in Philadelphia, he accumulated 43 tackles and seven sacks in 23 games.
Johnson moved to the Oakland Raiders in 1997, playing 15 games and making 11 tackles. This marked his final season in the NFL, but he continued his professional football career in a different league.
After his NFL career, he joined the Arena Football League, playing for several teams. He was part of the Orlando Predators’ Arena Bowl champion team in 1998 and also played for the Los Angeles Avengers, bringing his professional football journey full circle back to his hometown.
Johnson’s death underscores the continuing struggles faced by former pro athletes dealing with health and economic issues post-retirement. Although the NFL and players’ union have implemented programs to assist retired players, the transition from professional sports to civilian life remains challenging for many.
CTE, the brain disease suspected to have affected Johnson, can only be confirmed posthumously by examining brain tissue. This condition is associated with symptoms like depression, memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, aggression, and progressive dementia.
The homeless crisis in Los Angeles, California, has escalated in recent years, with encampments increasingly prevalent across the county. Willowbrook, where Johnson was discovered, is situated in South Los Angeles, which is grappling with its own housing challenges that affect tens of thousands of residents.
Violence within homeless encampments is a growing concern for both law enforcement and advocates, as the residents often face threats from both inside and outside their communities, with limited access to security or emergency services.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has requested anyone with information about Johnson’s death to contact their Homicide Bureau. Investigators are trying to piece together the circumstances that led to this fatal incident and to identify any potential suspects involved.