The football world woke up to grim news this week. Former Philadelphia Eagles player Kevin Johnson was found dead near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles.
Yes, an ex-NFL player near an encampment. Let that sink in!
Police confirmed Johnson’s identity shortly after the discovery. A homicide investigation has now been launched and authorities say they are working to determine exactly what happened. No official cause of death has been released yet.
The location alone has people talking. The area is known for large homeless camps. How did a former pro athlete end up there? That question is echoing all over the socials. Right now, there are more questions than answers.
He was discovered in Willowbrook on Wednesday morning with blunt head trauma and stab wounds near the 1300 block of East 120th Street, near Central Avenue.
Johnson, 55, played in the NFL in the 1990s for the Eagles and Oakland Raiders, after being drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993.
Friends of Johnson who were paying tribute to him on social media alluded to him having struggles during the later years of his life.
One tribute, from a woman who said she was an old high school friend, claimed she had not seen him since 2019 but would often pray for his wellbeing.
‘The enemy had a tight hold on you with addiction and I had to walk away,’ the friend wrote. ‘We hadn’t talked since 2019 though you’ve tried to reach out but all I could do is pray from a distance.’
This tragic case has reopened an old conversation. Life after the NFL is not always glamorous. Money dries up, injuries linger, mental health struggles creep in, the applause disappears fast and real life does not wait.
This is not just a sad story, it is a warning. Fame does not equal security, success does not guarantee safety and retirement does not mean peace.
As the homicide investigation continues, many hope the truth comes out. Kevin Johnson deserves answers, he deserves dignity and his story should not be forgotten once the headlines fade.
