LOS ANGELES – Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman and Texas Southern University standout Kevin Johnson died from “blunt head trauma and stab wounds” at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, according to the medical examiner.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Johnson, 55, was pronounced dead Wednesday morning after being found unconscious.
His death was ruled a homicide and is being investigated.
Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment at the time of his death. Friends said Johnson had health issues later in life that contributed to his situation.
A native of the Westchester area in Los Angeles, Johnson first played college football in L.A. before transferring to Texas Southern in 1991. For the next two seasons, he would be a standout defensive tackle, bolstering a deeply talented unit alongside Houston-native and future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Michael Strahan.
Johnson was picked in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
Johnson spent time with the Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders before landing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.
In two years with Philly, had 43 tackles, including seven sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. He played 15 games for the Raiders in 1997.
Johnson later played in the Arena Football League for Orlando and Los Angeles.
An article from The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read more here.
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