What was the cause of Kevin Johnson's death?

Kevin Johnson's death was ruled a homicide due to blunt head trauma and stab wounds, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Where and when was Kevin Johnson found?

Johnson was found unconscious at a homeless encampment in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles, in the 1300 block of East 120th Street, on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

What is the status of the investigation into his death?

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death as a homicide, with no arrests announced, and is asking for public tips.

What was Kevin Johnson's NFL career like?

Johnson was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 1993, played for the Patriots, Vikings, Raiders, and Eagles, recording 43 tackles and 7 sacks with the Eagles, and later played in the Arena Football League.

Did Kevin Johnson have health issues or CTE?

Friends reported Johnson had health issues after football that they believe were linked to CTE and contributed to his homelessness, but no official CTE diagnosis has been confirmed as it requires posthumous brain examination.

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Former Eagles Lineman Kevin Johnson Found Homicide Victim in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Kevin Johnson's death a homicide from blunt head trauma and stab wounds after he was found at a homeless encampment on Jan. 21, 2026.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Kevin Johnson's death a homicide from blunt head trauma and stab wounds after he was found at a homeless encampment on Jan. 21, 2026, according to medical records.

Johnson, 55, was a fourth-round pick in 1993 who played for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders and later in the Arena Football League, according to team and league records.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it is investigating Johnson's death as a homicide and asked the public to contact investigators, while friend Bruce Todd called him 'my best friend' in remarks to ABC7.

Johnson recorded 43 tackles, including seven sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown in two seasons with the Eagles and appeared in 15 games for the Raiders in 1997, according to NFL records.

The investigation is ongoing with no arrests announced, officials said, and accounts conflict over whether Johnson was found Tuesday or pronounced Wednesday, according to media reports and medical records.

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Former NFL player Kevin Johnson killed at homeless encampment, medical examiner says

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FAQ

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: Kevin Johnson's death was ruled a homicide due to blunt head trauma and stab wounds, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Sources:
HBCU Gameday
: Johnson was found unconscious at a homeless encampment in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles, in the 1300 block of East 120th Street, on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Sources:
ABC7
: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death as a homicide, with no arrests announced, and is asking for public tips.
Sources:
ESPN
: Johnson was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 1993, played for the Patriots, Vikings, Raiders, and Eagles, recording 43 tackles and 7 sacks with the Eagles, and later played in the Arena Football League.
Sources:
NFL.com
: Friends reported Johnson had health issues after football that they believe were linked to CTE and contributed to his homelessness, but no official CTE diagnosis has been confirmed as it requires posthumous brain examination.
Sources:
HBCU Gameday