The former NFL, who drove Reshun Eugene Johnson back, was charged with 21 counts in a massive federal dog fight that led to the recovery of 190 pitbulls, according to the Justice Department.
Federal authorities said they believe it is the biggest seizure of a battle with a dog from a single individual in US history.
Johnson, 54, from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is accused of running a massive breeding and human trafficking known as the “Mal Cant Kennels” and raising the fighting dog himself.
He pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level in 2004.
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He drives back Lesson Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals and moves the ball during a game against the New York Jets at Sundeville Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Stephen Dunn /Allsport)
“This strategic prosecution of repeated offenders led to the seizing of 190 dogs aimed at a cruel end,” Assistant Advisor Adam Guistafson said. “It disrupts the main source of dogs used in other dog combat ventures.”
Johnson was said to have been “Champion” and “Grand Champion” fought the Pitbull and then sold breeding rights across the country.
Some of the dog names were War Pony, Bootstom Per and Hog, the latter claiming to have won eight battles.
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A portrait of northern Illinois running on July 16, 1993, when Lesson Johnson runs during a photo shoot at a ranch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Ken Geiger /Sports Illustrated by Getty Images)
Prosecutors said it was a huge win. Because dogs often suffer fatal injuries during brutal battles.
To become a “Grand Champion”, a dog must win a 5. The “Champion” wins three times.
“Animal abuse is cruel, it's been dropped and deserves severe punishment,” Attorney General Pam Bondy said in a statement. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law and protecting innocent animals from harming people.”
The New York Giants are covered by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Mike Peterson (L) and safety Jason Belsel, so Lesson Johnson flips over after gains during a game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Reuters)
A series of evidence was collected from Johnson's phone, including text messages, Facebook pages, CashApp history, sales and even emails discussing dog pedigree, according to court filings. Authorities also seized the dog at two separate facilities owned by Johnson.
FBI director Kash Patel said the bureau views it as a stepping stone to organized crime, including human trafficking and murder.
“The FBI will not tolerate criminals who harm innocent animals for twisted form of entertainment,” he said in a statement.
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Johnson was charged in January, court records show, but the court did not seal the filing this week after being arrested in Muscogee on Thursday. According to federal prosecutors, the dog was seized from his property in October 2024 under the Animal Welfare Act.
Johnson, who played for the Packers, Cardinals and Giants during his six-year NFL career in the 1990s, was part of a 2014 class action lawsuit accusing the NFL of not protecting players from concussions.
If convicted, he will face up to five years in prison at each count and be fined $250,000. Fox News Digital reached out to his lawyer.
