Former NFL Player Killed at Homeless Camp

Police in Los Angeles are investigating the killing of a man at a homeless encampment, a case that has drawn attention because of the victim’s past NFL career.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Kevin Johnson, 55, and said he died Wednesday from blunt force injuries and stab wounds, according to the Guardian. Johnson previously played defensive lineman in the NFL during the 1990s, including two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Authorities are treating the case as a homicide. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve De Jong told Newsweek that investigators believe Johnson was living at the encampment at the time of his death. “Unfortunately it appears he was homeless,” De Jong said. “It looks like he was probably living there.”

Details about how Johnson came to be homeless remain unclear. Friends told the Associated Press that he had been dealing with health issues, though they did not specify the nature of those problems.

Johnson entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1993. He later played for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Oakland Raiders. During his two seasons in Philadelphia, Johnson recorded 43 tackles, seven sacks, and scored a touchdown on a fumble return. He also appeared in 15 games for the Raiders in 1997.

A Los Angeles native, Johnson played college football at Texas Southern before beginning his professional career. After leaving the NFL, he continued playing in the Arena Football League with teams in Orlando and Los Angeles.

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