Former NFL running back allegedly ran massive dog-fighting operation

A former NFL running back is facing federal charges, with U.S. authorities alleging he ran a massive dog-fighting operation.

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LeShon Johnson, who played in the NFL from 1994-99, is alleged to have been involved in a case that the U.S. Department of Justice believes was the largest seizure of dogs ever in a federal case of this kind.

The DOJ alleged Johnson had nearly 200 “pit bull-type dogs” that were used in an “animal fighting venture.” The 21-count indictment released Tuesday also claims that he was “selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.”

Officials said that 190 dogs were seized by federal law enforcement in October 2024 under the Animal Welfare Act.

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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the alleged animal abuse “cruel … depraved” and a crime that “deserves severe punishment.”

Court documents allege that Johnson had been running at least two dog-fighting operations in two Oklahoma towns a little more than 20 miles apart through an operation called “Mal Kant Kennels.”

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Federal prosecutors allege that the 54-year-old was selectively breeding “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs — canines that have won multiple fights — to create offspring that could fight.

Additionally, Johnson is accused of selling stud rights and offspring of winning fighting dogs to other dog-fighting operations.

“Dog fighting is a cruel, blood-thirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity,” U.S. attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma said in a statement.

“I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations which only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct.”

Johnson is facing up to five years in prison and a US$250,000 fine for each count he has been charged with.

He previously had pleaded guilty to state charges related to animal fighting in Oklahoma in 2004.

During his NFL career, Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. He ran for 955 yards and scored seven touchdowns during his career.

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