Ex-football player found guilty in a dogfighting investigation; a significant number of canines confiscated from his possession
Former NFL Player Convicted for Running Dogfighting Operation
LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player, has been convicted for running a dogfighting operation that saw the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single individual in a federal case. Johnson was found guilty on multiple felony counts for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The federal case against Johnson, which took place in 2025, revealed that he bred American pit bull terriers intended for fighting. The U.S. Marshals Service took custody of the 190 dogs seized from his operation, "Mal Kant Kennels," with the federal government pursuing their forfeiture.
Johnson's conviction recalls the 2007 case against another former NFL player, Michael Vick. Vick pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving illegal dogfighting, but his operation involved just over 70 dogs—far fewer than Johnson’s. Vick admitted to participating in killing dogs and running an illegal gambling business connected to dogfighting. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison.
While both Johnson and Vick were involved in dogfighting, their cases differ significantly in scale and outcomes. Johnson's case represents a more extensive seizure of dogs and ongoing federal prosecution, while Vick’s case was highly publicized and ended with Vick serving prison time and rehabilitating his public image through advocacy.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that Johnson will face severe consequences for his vile crimes. Johnson's defense attorney, Courtney Jordan, stated that Johnson is a family man and a good person who loves his dogs. However, evidence presented in the federal case against Johnson showed that he profited from the cruel and illegal dogfighting industry.
The Department of Justice is committed to protecting animals from abuse, and more than 40,000 people participate in enterprises that breed, condition, and train dogs for dogfighting. Johnson was convicted by a federal jury in Oklahoma on six felony counts related to violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Johnson's previous dogfighting conviction was in 2004 at the state level, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence. However, his defense attorney maintained that Johnson was never involved in dogfighting himself, per se.
In a surprising turn, Johnson's defense attorney also stated that the American government is after the American pit bull terrier. This statement has sparked debate and concern among animal welfare advocates and pit bull owners, who argue that the breed is unfairly targeted.
Michael Vick, after serving his sentence, became an advocate against dogfighting, returned to play in the NFL, and later transitioned into coaching. It remains to be seen whether Johnson will follow a similar path towards rehabilitation and advocacy.
[1] Federal case against LeShon Johnson [2] Federal case against Michael Vick [4] Forfeiture of dogs in LeShon Johnson's case [5] U.S. Marshals Service cares for seized dogs in LeShon Johnson's case
[1] Federal case against LeShon Johnson resulted in his conviction for running a dogfighting operation, seizing over 190 dogs from his Mal Kant Kennels, and forfeiting those dogs to the U.S. government.
[5] In the same federal case, the U.S. Marshals Service took custody of the seized dogs from LeShon Johnson's dogfighting operation, caring for them while awaiting forfeiture.
