Who was Kevin Johnson? Everything to know as homicide investigation launched following ex-Philadelphia Eagles player's death at 55

Former NFL player Kevin Johnson has passed away at the age of 55.

According to a report in TMZ, Johnson’s body was discovered at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on January 20. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death as blunt head trauma and stab wounds. Police has been investigating the case as a homicide.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Steve De Jong told Newsweek Sports that Johnson was homeless. He said:

“Unfortunately it appears he was homeless. It looks like he was probably living there.”

Johnson was a former NFL defensive tackle. He played for three seasons in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders after being drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of 1993. A report in Fox News stated that he played 23 games for three seasons with the Eagles. With the Raiders, he recorded eleven tackles in fifteen games.

Continue to read for more information.

All we need to know about Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson’s sudden death has drawn interest in his life and career. Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the ex-NFL player.

Johnson was born as Kevin Lamar Johnson in October 1970. He was raised in Los Angeles and attended Westchester High School. He began his football journey during his high school, where the teams are nicknamed Comets. A report in Newsweek Sports stated that he helped them win the Los Angeles City Section championship in football in 1987. The Comets returned to the city title game, but they did not win that year.

After graduating from high school, the former NFL star attended Los Angeles Harbor College before transferring to Texas Southern. The New England Patriots took him with the 86th selection in the 1993 draft.

However, he did not play regular-season games for them and was released. He spent time on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and briefly with the Oakland Raiders before making his professional debut with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.

After Johnson’s NFL career came to an end, he continued playing with the Arena Football League. He reportedly won a league championship with the Orlando Predators in his first year in the league. He was also a member of the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League.

On his recent death, Kevin Johnson’s family members, including his son, his childhood friends, and his fans, have paid him tributes.

“My sincere condolences to his family.” A person wrote on X.

“Gotta salute the Gridiron Giants. May Kevin Johnson's legacy live on the field forever.” A second added.

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“RIP Kevin Johnson #FlyEaglesFly” A third user commented.

It's not clear as of now what led to the sudden killing of Johnson. However, his homicide bureau has been investigating the case. Reports suggested that he struggled in his later years due to addiction, which apparently left him homeless. His body was reportedly discovered near a homeless encampment.

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