Former NFL player is found dead at California homeless encampment as police launch hunt for his killer

A former NFL defensive lineman was found dead Wednesday morning at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, prompting police to launch a search for his killer.

Kevin Johnson, 55, who once played for the Philadelphia Eagles, was discovered at an encampment in the Willowbrook area after sheriff’s deputies responded just before 8 a.m. to a report of an unconscious man in the 1300 block of East 120th Street, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Los Angeles native, Johnson played in the NFL from 1995 to 1997 with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders.

Friends said Johnson struggled with health issues later in life that ultimately led to him living on the streets. However, they described him as a generous and beloved figure who continued to make an impact on those around him, according to WPVI.

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His friends told the broadcaster that his health problems might have been as a result of CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head injuries.

Johnson’s cause of death was listed as “blunt head trauma” and “stab wounds,” and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.

”Unfortunately, it appears he was homeless,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve De Jong told Newsweek. “It looks like he was probably living there.”

Johnson played college football at Los Angeles Harbor College from 1989 to 1990 before transferring to Texas Southern University, where he suited up for the Tigers from 1991 to 1992. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft, 86th overall, officially signing with the team that June.

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Though his early professional career saw him move between teams, including stints with New England, Minnesota, and Oakland – Johnson ultimately found his footing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.

Over two seasons with Philadelphia, he recorded 43 tackles, including seven sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. He later appeared in 15 games for the Raiders during the 1997 season.

Johnson continued his football career in the Arena Football League, playing for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers. He joined the Avengers for the 2000 season and returned in 2001, appearing in four games before injuries ended his time with the team.

”He was my best friend,” Bruce Todd told KABC-TV.

“I was best man at his wedding. Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him.”