Nearly 200 dogs seized from ex-NFL player in dogfighting case

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation, leading to the seizure of 190 dogs, the largest amount ever taken from an individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Johnson, a resident of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, faces charges of possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for similar purposes.

The dogs were confiscated from Johnson in October 2024, where he is believed to have operated the dogfighting venture named "Mal Kant Kennels" in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. These allegations come in light of his previous conviction for state animal fighting charges in 2004, where he received a five-year deferred sentence.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of animal abuse and pledged that the Department of Justice would pursue the case rigorously to safeguard innocent animals from harm. Johnson allegedly bred fighting dogs, some of which had participated in as many as five fights, and sold both their "stud rights" and their offspring to further the dogfighting industry across the United States.

If found guilty, Johnson could face up to five years in prison for each charge, along with a $250,000 fine. FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the agency's commitment to tackling animal cruelty, linking such behavior to larger organized crime issues, including trafficking and homicides.

Johnson had a brief NFL career as a running back, playing for teams like the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999. His legal troubles now paint a stark contrast to his professional sports background as investigations into his alleged activities continue.