Former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson was beaten and stabbed to death in a Los Angeles homeless encampment, authorities confirmed Friday.
Johnson, who played in the 1990s mostly for the Philadelphia Eagles and the team then known as the Oakland Raiders, was pronounced dead Wednesday morning after being found unconscious, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office.
Johnson, 55, died from “blunt head trauma and stab wounds” and his death is being investigated as a homicide, the office said.
Investigators believe Johnson was living in the encampment.
Friends told the local ABC affiliate that the former pro-football player may have been suffering from CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries that is commonly associated with football players.
“He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding. ... Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him,” Bruce Todd told KABC.
Born Oct. 30, 1970, in Los Angeles, Johnson began his NFL career in 1993 when he was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots.
Johnson landed with the Eagles in 1995. In his first season with the team, he recorded 19 total tackles, six sacks and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in 11 games, according to the Pro Football Reference website.
In his second season with the Eagles, Johnson logged one sack and 24 combined tackles in 12 games, according to the site.
Johnson then went on to play one season for the Oakland Raiders before wrapping up his professional football career in the Arena Football League.
