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, which led to the seizure of 190 dogs—the largest number taken from an individual in a federal dogfighting investigation. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges against Johnson, who resides in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

He faces allegations of possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in fighting, as well as charges related to the sale, transportation, and delivery of dogs for the same purpose. The dogs were taken from Johnson in October 2024, and court documents indicate he operated the dogfighting venture "Mal Kant Kennels" in Broken Arrow and nearby Haskell.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the brutal nature of animal abuse and stated that the Department of Justice would pursue the case vigorously to protect animals from harm. Johnson has a prior history of animal fighting, having pleaded guilty to state charges in 2004, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence.

According to the Justice Department, Johnson allegedly bred dogs that had participated in multiple fights and sold their offspring and "stud rights" to other dogfighters, contributing to the growth of the dogfighting industry across the U.S. His actions have reportedly been financially profitable for him.

If convicted, Johnson could face up to five years in prison for each count and a $250,000 fine. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that animal cruelty investigations are viewed as potential indicators of larger criminal activities, drawing a connection between such offenses and organized crime. Johnson previously played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.