Former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson, who played for the Eagles and the Raiders, passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles at 55.

The LA Police are investigating his death due to the condition he was found in an encampment.

Johnson was found unconscious on the 1300 block of East 120th Street in Willowbrook. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Steve De Jong confirmed the details on Thursday.

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

Bruce Todd, a close friend of Johnson, went on to say, "He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding... Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him."

Kevin Johnson Found Success After Initial Hiccups

A native of Los Angeles, California, Johnson played at Los Angeles Harbor College, later transferring to Texas Southern. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 1993.

Following practice squad stints with the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings, the Philadelphia Eagles snapped him up in August 1995 through a waiver. In the following two years, Johnson played 25 games. In the 1995 season, he appeared in 11 matchups and even started in one.

He recorded 19 tackles, six sacks, and one defensive touchdown. Johnson appeared in two postseason games and added another two tackles. 

In the following season, Johnson started in five out of the 12 games he played in total. He recorded 24 tackles and one sack. He was released from the team in December. 

Johnson eventually signed with the Raiders. In the 1997 season, he claimed 11 tackles in the 15 games he played.  The year he spent with the Raiders was his last in the NFL, but he continued to play in the Arena Football League.

In 1998, with the Orlando Predators, he won the ArenaBowl championship. He continued to play in the league until 2001. 

The authorities are continuing their investigation into his death. Our thoughts are with Kevin Johnson's family and friends.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar