by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová
A former NFL running back once known for his agility and speed is now facing serious prison time after being convicted on six federal felony counts tied to a massive dogfighting and animal trafficking operation. LeShon Johnson, 54, was found guilty in Oklahoma following a multi-day trial that exposed the scope and brutality of his crimes under the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Johnson, who played five seasons in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, operated a large-scale dogfighting network under the name Mal Kant Kennels, according to court documents. Federal authorities revealed that Johnson bred and sold “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs in direct violation of federal animal cruelty laws. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 190 dogs were seized from Johnson’s property — the largest number ever confiscated from a single individual in a federal dogfighting case.
“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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 echoed the sentiment, calling dogfighting a “despicable crime” and emphasizing that the agency will continue to hold perpetrators accountable. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice,” Patel said.
Johnson’s case stemmed from an indictment unsealed in March, which laid out detailed evidence of his dogfighting operation. Authorities described a brutal system where dogs were bred specifically for violence, then sold, transported, or used in fights for profit.
This isn’t Johnson’s first brush with dogfighting charges. He previously pleaded guilty to a state-level offense in 2005 and received a five-year deferred sentence. That case marked an early warning sign of his deeper involvement in the illicit world of animal fighting. His latest conviction, however, comes with far stiffer consequences: he now faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the six felony counts.
Johnson’s downfall is reminiscent of the infamous 2007 dogfighting scandal involving then-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who served 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges. While Vick has since become an outspoken advocate for animal welfare, Johnson has shown no public remorse.
Johnson’s former NFL career, once filled with promise, has been permanently overshadowed by his crimes. A standout at Northern Illinois University, he was selected in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. After a brief stint in Green Bay, Johnson found more success with the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 634 yards and scoring four total touchdowns in the 1996 season. He later played with the New York Giants and spent a short time in the XFL.
