Former NFL RB, Heisman Candidate Convicted Of 'Vile' Dog-Fighting Crimes

Former NFL RB Sentenced To Life In Prison At 33 (1:04)

A former NFL running back has been convicted of some truly heinous crimes involving dog-fighting.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was convicted in federal court on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that 190 dogs were saved by law enforcement working on the case. Bondi pledged that Johnson would face “severe consequences.”

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” Bondi said in a statement. “This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”

FBI director Kash Patel released a statement of his own, pledging that the U.S. government would not tolerate dogfighting. He thanked those that also contributed to the investigation and protection of the animals.

“The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” Patel said. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”

Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division called it a big win in the fight against animal abuse.

“This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law,” Gustafson said. “ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practice of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”

Central Islip, N.Y.: A pit bull is among the dozens of dogs awaiting adoption at the Town of Islip, New York’s newly-opened, state-of-the-art animal shelter, on October 29, 2021. (Photo by John Paraskevas/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

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A lost football career

At one time LeShon Johnson seemed primed for superstardom. As a running back at Northern Illinois in the early-1990s, he was one of the nation’s best ruynners.

In 1993, he led the nation in rushing yards (1,976) and rushing attempts (327) while leading the Big West Conference in yards per carry and touchdowns. For his efforts, he earned unanimous All-American honors and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Johnson’s success at Northern Illinois got him drafted in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He played just 14 games for the Packers before moving to the Arizona Cardinals, where he had significantly more success.

The biggest game of Johnson’s career came in a 214-yard performance against the New Orleans Saints in 1996. That would wind up being the high-water mark of his career though.

A cancer diagnosis in 1998 cost him the season. He attempted a comeback in 1999 by playing all 16 games for the New York Giants and finished his pro career with the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers in 2001.