Son of NFL player who was found dead at LA homeless encampment pays heartbreaking tribute
The son of former Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles star Kevin Johnson is speaking out after the NFL player was found dead at a Los Angeles homeless camp at age 55.
A medical examiner reported that Johnson died from 'blunt head trauma and stab wounds'.
Authorities found his body on January 21 and are investigating Johnson's death as a homicide.
In a statement released over a week later, the former player's son Branden Johnson remembered his father as a 'loving, caring, and truly joyful man whose presence brought warmth to everyone around him.'
'My father's death is a heartbreaking tragedy, especially because he was a constant presence in my life,' Branden said in his statement.
'There was not a single day he didn't call to check on me—asking if I worked out, if I prayed, how his granddaughter was doing, and reminding me how much he loved me and how proud he was. The absence of those daily calls has created an indescribable silence.
The son of former NFL player Kevin Johnson (above) is speaking out after his father was found dead at a homeless camp in Los Angeles last week
Johnson played for the Eagles and Oakland Raiders, the latter of which released a statement
'He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated, never judging and always looking out for others. Even through life's difficulties, he held happiness in his heart and shared it freely with those he loved.
'My dad was selfless, loyal, and deeply cherished. His absence leaves a huge void, but his love, laughter, and spirit will live on through everyone whose life he touched.'
After the stunning news was revealed, the Raiders released a statement on the tragic development.
'The Raiders Family mourns the loss of Kevin Johnson,' the statement began. 'A defensive lineman out of Texas Southern, Johnson played for the Silver and Black for one season, seeing action in 15 games in 1997.
'He previously played two years in Philadelphia, totaling seven sacks in 23 games. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Kevin's family at this time.'
Police were at scene where Johnson's body had been discovered last Wednesday morning
Johnson bounced around the NFL for a few years before playing four seasons of arena football
Investigators believe that Johnson was living in the encampment at the time of his death.
Friends said Johnson had health issues later in his life which contributed to his financial situation.
Johnson was a fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 1993, spending time in Foxborough with the practice squad.
He eventually moved to the Minnesota Vikings before joining Oakland and then Philadelphia.
Afterwards he played four seasons in the Arena Football League for teams in Orlando and Los Angeles.
