Los Angeles, California — Former Minnesota Vikings defensive player Kevin Johnson has died at the age of 55, just days after celebrating his birthday. His body was discovered near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of death was determined to be severe head trauma from a blunt object and stab wounds. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the case as a homicide, and no suspects have been arrested at this time.
Born and raised in Southern California on October 30, 1970, Johnson began his football journey at Los Angeles Harbor College before transferring to Texas Southern University.
He was selected by the New England Patriots with the 86th overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, but his contract was terminated just a few months later, in August of that year. Shortly thereafter, on September 1, 1993, Johnson was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, though his time with the team was brief.
Despite only spending time with the Vikings on the practice squad, Johnson made his mark in the NFL. He officially debuted with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 1995 season, appearing in 11 games and recording six sacks, 19 tackles, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
In 1996, he continued with the Eagles, tallying one sack and 14 tackles across 12 games before being released in December.
Johnson later played one season with the Oakland Raiders in 1997 before transitioning to the Arena Football League. There, he achieved notable success, winning a championship with the Orlando Predators in 1998, and continued his career with the Los Angeles Avengers through 2001.
On social media, family members and childhood friends—including Johnson’s son—shared heartfelt tributes. Many posts remembered him as a fun-loving man, devoted to his family and deeply passionate about football.
Vikings fans have also expressed condolences, despite his limited time with the team on the practice squad.
The investigation remains ongoing, and LAPD urges anyone with relevant information to come forward. Kevin Johnson will be remembered as part of NFL history, even though his career was marked by challenges.
