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Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Kevin Johnson suffered "blunt head trauma and stab wounds" before being found dead at a homeless encampment, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner via ESPN.
Johnson, 55, was ruled to have died by homicide after being found unconscious on Wednesday (January 21). Investigators believe that Johnson was living at the encampment at the time of his death and friends told ESPN that the former NFL player dealt with health issues that resulted in him living there.
"Unfortunately it appears he was homeless," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Steve De Jong said on January 22 via Newsweek. "It looks like he was probably living there."
The former Texas Southern standout was selected by the New England Patriots at No. 86 overall in the fourth-round of the 1993 NFL Draft, but released prior to his rookie season. Johnson made his NFL debut with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995 and spent two seasons with the franchise before spending his final year with the then-Oakland Raiders in 1997, finishing his career with 54 tackles, seven sacks, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
The defensive lineman later played for Orlando Predators -- playing in the Arena Bowl XIII -- and Los Angeles Avengers and in the Arena Football League.