Death of ex-NFL tackle Kevin Johnson ruled a homicide

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd January, 12:07 2026

Police tape off a crime scene, Saturday, July 6, 2024, on the 2600 block of Ridgecrest Drive in Florence, Ky.

Police in Los Angeles are investigating the death of former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson as a homicide.

He was found unconscious and later pronounced dead Wednesday at a homeless encampment in the city. On Thursday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death as a homicide and said Johnson, 55, died from "blunt head trauma and stab wounds."

A Los Angeles native, he played at Texas Southern before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft.

He didn't make an NFL appearance until 1995 with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent two seasons there before a final campaign in 1997 with the then-Oakland Raiders.

In all, he played in 38 games (six starts) and made 54 tackles and seven sacks to go with one forced fumble and a recovered fumble that he returned 37 yards for a touchdown.

He later played in the Arena Football League.

--Field Level Media

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