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SAD NEWS: The Jacksonville Jaguars Community Is Reeling After the Passing of Former Veteran Kevin Johnson — An Unfinished Journey Ends in Heartbreak

Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Jaguars community is in shock following the devastating news of Kevin Johnson’s passing. Johnson, a former veteran drafted by the Jaguars in 1998 and once expected to have a bright future in the NFL, has died suddenly. His loss has left a painful void within Jaguars Nation and revived memories of an unfinished journey filled with hope, promise, and adversity.

Kevin Johnson entered the league as a young talent, raised in a professional football environment and quickly adapting to the culture of the NFL. Within the Jaguars organization, he was known by teammates and staff as a respectful, hardworking individual who constantly pushed himself to improve. Although his time in Jacksonville was not long, Johnson has been remembered for his drive and the respect he showed toward the uniform he once wore.

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After leaving the Jaguars, Johnson continued his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and later the Oakland Raiders. He recorded multiple seasons of consistent appearances and even played in playoff games, establishing himself as a reliable role player ready to contribute whenever called upon. “Not everyone becomes a star, but anyone can become someone the team needs,” a former teammate once said of Johnson.

The pain deepened as reports confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway in Los Angeles. Johnson was found dead at the age of 55 near a homeless encampment in Willowbrook. According to authorities, he was discovered Wednesday morning in the area of East 120th Street near Central Avenue, suffering from blunt head trauma and multiple stab wounds. Details surrounding the case remain under investigation.

Homicide investigation launched after ex-Eagles player, 55, found dead near  Los Angeles homeless encampment | Daily Mail Online

The circumstances of his death have sent shockwaves through the NFL community. A former player who once stood on football’s biggest stages has now seen his life end in an unresolved tragedy. “Life after the NFL can sometimes be harsher than any game,” has become a shared sentiment among players and fans alike.

In Jacksonville, the Jaguars have offered quiet but deeply respectful tributes in Johnson’s honor. These gestures serve as a reminder that, even though his journey was incomplete, he remains part of the Jaguars family. “Once you wear this jersey, you are never forgotten,” is a message echoed during these somber days.

As the investigation continues, Jaguars Nation and the entire NFL await clarity. But beyond the facts, Kevin Johnson will be remembered for the person he was and the NFL dream he chased. In Jacksonville’s memory, he remains part of Jaguars history — a journey that began with hope and ended in profound sorrow.

Less Than 48 Hours After AFC Championship 7-10 Loss to Patriots, Broncos Stun NFL by Firing OC Super Bowl XLIV Joe Lombardi
Less Than 48 Hours After AFC Championship Loss, Broncos Stun NFL by Firing Super Bowl XLIV OC Joe Lombardi Denver, Colorado – January 2026 Less than 48 hours after a heartbreaking 10–7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, the Denver Broncos sent shockwaves through the NFL. In a move few saw coming, Denver dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, signaling an immediate and unforgiving response to falling one step short of the Super Bowl. The decision was first reported and confirmed by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The timing alone raised eyebrows across the league, as postseason firings typically follow deeper internal reviews. Instead, Denver acted swiftly, making it clear that even a conference championship appearance would not shield staff from accountability. The #Broncos fired OC Joe Lombardi, per me and @TomPelissero. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2026 Lombardi spent three seasons in Denver under head coach Sean Payton, a long-time collaborator from their years together with the Saints. Lombardi was part of New Orleans’ Super Bowl XLIV championship staff in 2009 and was widely respected for his system knowledge and experience in high-pressure environments. That résumé made the decision even more surprising. Adding to the shock, Lombardi was credited internally with unlocking the potential of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Before Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle, Denver’s offense had shown notable growth and composure. Many around the league believe the Broncos might have won the AFC Championship had Nix been healthy enough to finish the game. Complicating the aftermath, a controversial quote attributed to Lombardi circulated online shortly after his dismissal, alleging wrongdoing by New England. “The Patriots cheated and it cost me my job,” the statement read. Neither the Broncos nor the NFL substantiated the claim, and team sources stressed the firing was strictly performance-based, not influenced by outside narratives. Inside the organization, the move is being framed as a necessary reset. While Payton is known for loyalty to his assistants, the lack of offensive rhythm in the championship game — particularly with the backup quarterback — reportedly accelerated the decision. Denver’s leadership appears unwilling to allow postseason stagnation to linger. With Bo Nix positioned as the franchise cornerstone, the Broncos will now search for a modern offensive coordinator capable of thriving under playoff pressure. By acting immediately, Denver sent a clear message to the league: close is not close enough. In a Super Bowl-or-bust era, the margin for patience in Denver has officially vanished.