NFL Veteran Defensive Tackle Found Dead at 55 in Los Angeles Homeless Encampment
A former NFL defensive tackle, Kevin Johnson, has been found dead in a Los Angeles homeless encampment at the age of 55. The cause of death, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office, was blunt head trauma and stab wounds.
Johnson, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995 to 1996, died after being found unconscious at the encampment on Wednesday morning. His death is currently under investigation as a homicide, with authorities still trying to piece together the events leading up to his demise.
Despite struggling in the NFL, Johnson had a promising stint with the Eagles, playing in 11 games and recording six sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the 1995 season. However, his career took a downturn after he was released by the team following the 1996 season.
After leaving the NFL, Johnson played one more year with the Oakland Raiders before taking on a stint in Arena Football. His life outside of football, however, seemed to be marred by health issues and a decision to live on the streets. According to friends, Johnson had been living at the homeless encampment for some time, citing health problems as a reason.
The circumstances surrounding Johnson's death are still unclear, but his legacy as an NFL player will remain in the memories of those who knew him and played alongside him during his brief but promising career.
A former NFL defensive tackle, Kevin Johnson, has been found dead in a Los Angeles homeless encampment at the age of 55. The cause of death, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office, was blunt head trauma and stab wounds.
Johnson, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995 to 1996, died after being found unconscious at the encampment on Wednesday morning. His death is currently under investigation as a homicide, with authorities still trying to piece together the events leading up to his demise.
Despite struggling in the NFL, Johnson had a promising stint with the Eagles, playing in 11 games and recording six sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the 1995 season. However, his career took a downturn after he was released by the team following the 1996 season.
After leaving the NFL, Johnson played one more year with the Oakland Raiders before taking on a stint in Arena Football. His life outside of football, however, seemed to be marred by health issues and a decision to live on the streets. According to friends, Johnson had been living at the homeless encampment for some time, citing health problems as a reason.
The circumstances surrounding Johnson's death are still unclear, but his legacy as an NFL player will remain in the memories of those who knew him and played alongside him during his brief but promising career.
just heard about Kevin Johnson's passing and it's heartbreaking. It's crazy how athletes like him can struggle so much after they hang up their cleats. I mean, he was a talented guy who made it to the NFL - 11 games with the Eagles? that's no joke! 
But life is full of ups and downs, and it sounds like Johnson faced some tough challenges outside of football.
. It's a shame we lost Kevin Johnson, but let's honor his memory by working towards creating better resources for athletes who are struggling. 
. You'd think someone would've been looking out for this dude after he retired from football. I mean, I get it, life takes a turn and people struggle, but homeless shelters and services are supposed to be there to help ppl get back on their feet.
. All those hits and injuries must've taken its toll. I wish his friends & family coulda done more 2 support him during his struggles after football. RIP Kevin Johnson 
. At least his legacy lives on in the games he played, but man, it's a shame we didn't see more of him after football 
It's heartbreaking.
55 is way too young to be gone, that's just not right 
And now we're having to deal with a potential homicide investigation... it's like we're seeing more of the dark side of American society, where wealth and privilege can give you a death sentence if you're not connected the right way. 
and i'm like "wait a minute..." was johnson's health problem really just that? or was it something else? like maybe he stumbled upon something he shouldn't have and now his life is paying the price? 
this is getting too suspicious for me...
I mean, I know it's not easy to make a buck anymore, but 55? That's like, what's next, LeBron James sleeping on the subway? 
I'm not saying Kevin Johnson was a tough guy or anything, but come on, can't we help these guys out more?! 
Still, you gotta feel bad for his family and friends who's left to pick up the pieces... 
. He was actually pretty talented on the field, but hey, you can't win 'em all... or in this case, you can't stay alive 
does anyone know anything about kevin johnson's life after football? was he trying to get back into sports or something? 
. I mean, we gotta acknowledge that the NFL does offer a lot of resources to its players when they retire, but it's clear that some guys aren't getting the support they need outside of football