Former NFL Running Back Convicted in the Nation’s Largest Federal Dog-Fighting Case [WATCH]

Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been found guilty on six felony counts for his role in what federal authorities describe as the largest dog-fighting bust in U.S. history, as reported by The New York Post.

A federal jury in Oklahoma returned the guilty verdict last week, concluding that Johnson violated multiple provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The charges include the possession, sale, transport, and delivery of animals intended for use in fighting ventures, according to a statement released Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Johnson, who played for the New York Giants during the 1999 season after stints with the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals, now faces a maximum of five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each of the six counts.

His sentencing date has not yet been announced.

Federal agents seized 190 dogs from Johnson’s property. Johnson has since surrendered ownership of the dogs, and the government is pursuing full forfeiture.

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a statement.

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“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.”

-Former NFL RB LeShon Johnson convicted on six felonies
-Biggest federal dog-fighting bust
-Guilty of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fights pic.twitter.com/s0SEaovSpl

— Umair Javed (@umairjaved1591) August 5, 2025

Johnson was originally charged in March following a federal investigation that led to what officials called the largest seizure of dogs in a federal dog-fighting case.

Authorities said Johnson operated under the name “Mal Kant Kennels” and maintained nearly 200 pit bull-type dogs for the purpose of organized fighting.

Prosecutors presented extensive evidence during the trial, including records and testimony showing Johnson bred, trafficked, and trained dogs specifically for fighting.

“The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

Ex-NFL player Leshon Johnson convicted in Oklahoma dog-fighting-probe; 190 dogs seized

“The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. pic.twitter.com/OjcbCfyC9C

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 5, 2025

“Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”

Johnson was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals from 1995 to 1997 and completed his NFL career with the New York Giants in 1999.

The case marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s efforts to combat organized animal cruelty and underscores the Department of Justice’s active role in prosecuting such offenses.

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