Former NFL player convicted of running huge dog-fighting operation

A former NFL player and onetime All-American was convicted in what the Department of Justice referred to as the largest seizure of animals in a federal dog-fighting case.

Months after being charged, former NFL running back Leshon Johnson was convicted in Oklahoma on six felony counts for violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Now the 54-year-old retired footballer is facing the possibility of well over a million dollars in fines and years in prison after law enforcement seized 190 dogs that were said to be a part of the “Mal Kent Kennels” operation.

Referring to the indictment unsealed in March, a press release from the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs detailed how Johnson had violated prohibitions against the possession, sale, transport, and delivery of animals used in fighting ventures. Evidence had also been heard by the jury on how the All-American from Northern Illinois University was said to have “bred and trafficked ‘champion’ and ‘grand champion’ fighting dogs … profiting from the cruel and illegal industry.”

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals, and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” expressed Attorney General Pam Bondi 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.”

Former NFL Player Convicted of Operating Large-Scale Dog Fighting and Trafficking Venture in Oklahoma

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” said @AGPamBondi . “This case underscores the Department…

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) August 4, 2025

Likewise, FBI Director Kash Patel opined on the case involving the 1994 third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers who went on to play with the Arizona Cardinals and then the New York Giants, saying, “The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting.”

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

In addition to the federal conviction that was handed down last week, Johnson had a 2004 state conviction for dog fighting, to which he pleaded guilty and received a five-year deferred sentence. He now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

“This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law,” read a statement from Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson.

The AAG from the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division went on to state, “ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practices of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”

Johnson’s prior conviction came a few years after arguably the most high-profile dog fighting investigation, when then-NFL quarterback Michael Vick had himself pleaded guilty for his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting ring, for which he was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison in addition to a three-year suspended sentence for state charges.