New, disturbing details have emerged around the manner of death for former NFL player Kevin Johnson.
Johnson died in January at age 55 of “blunt head trauma and stab wounds,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined at the time. He was believed to be homeless and his death has officially been ruled a homicide.
A report from the medical examiner released to the California Post reveals that Johnson suffered skull fractures, brain contusions and a “total of five sharp force wounds” to his neck, according to a story published Wednesday, May 13. He also had phencyclidine, more commonly known as angel dust, and methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.
“He had a history of illicit drug use (methamphetamines) and was using a catheter bag,” the report reads. “He was not in the best health but could get around slowly with the assistance of crutches.”
A friend reportedly found Johnson’s body on the morning of January 21, face down and covered with a tarp. The Post describes a blood-soaked shovel, crutch and broken broom stick all found near his body. Part of a cut tree and a “rock/brick” were also discovered and appeared to be covered in blood.
Johnson also had “multiple” fatal injuries including brain fragmentation, severe intracerebral hemorrhaging and damage to his left carotid artery.
Johnson, a defensive tackle, played 38 games during his NFL career, spanning from 1993 to 1997. After the New England Patriots drafted and then cut him in 1993, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles before finishing his career in the Arena Football League.
Friends told ABC6 in January that he had been suffering from “health issues” and some believed he had CTE, the degenerative brain disease caused by trauma to the head and more common among former NFL players. CTE, however, cannot be diagnosed in living patients.
“He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding,” Johnson’s friend, Bruce Todd, told the station. “Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him.”
Nobody has been charged in Johnson’s death as of Thursday, May 14. In March, authorities revealed they were investigating whether his death could be linked to three separate murders of homeless people in Los Angeles’ Compton Creek. The four total murders happened between October 2025 and January 2026, sparking fear that they could be the work of a serial killer. Police did not have an update on the matter, according to The Post.
