Former NFL star LeShon Johnson now faces 21 federal charges in what officials call the largest dog fighting ring bust in FBI history. The shocking case involves 190 pit bulls seized from the ex-running back’s Oklahoma property, where he allegedly operated an extensive breeding operation that supplied fighting dogs across the country.
Record-Breaking Dog Fighting Operation Uncovered
Federal officials announced Tuesday that ex-NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson has been indicted on 21 charges related to an enormous dog fighting operation. The 54-year-old former athlete allegedly ran a breeding and trafficking ring called “Mal Kant Kennels” from his Broken Arrow, Oklahoma property, where authorities seized 190 pit bulls—the largest number of fighting dogs ever taken from a single person in United States history.
The Justice Department believes Johnson was not only breeding dogs for sale but also raising them specifically for fighting purposes. This isn’t Johnson’s first brush with such allegations, as he previously pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level back in 2004, showing a pattern of involvement in this illegal blood sport.
Champion Fighting Dogs Commanded Premium Prices
Johnson allegedly raised several “grand champion” and “champion” fighting dogs that were renowned in underground fighting circles across America. According to the indictment, dogs with fighting names like Hogg, War Pony, and Boot Stomper were especially valuable for their winning records, with Hogg reportedly winning an astonishing eight fights—an unusually high number given the mortal risks involved in each match.
Ex-NFL running back LeShon Johnson is facing serious prison time after being indicted in what the Department of Justice is calling the largest dog fighting bust in U.S. history.
Federal authorities hit the 54-year-old with a 21-count indictment, accusing him of running a massive… pic.twitter.com/Ld1g18QHcB
— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) March 26, 2025
In the world of illegal dog fighting, a “grand champion” dog must win five fights, while a “champion” needs three victories, with each title significantly increasing the animal’s financial value for breeding. Johnson allegedly sold breeding rights to these dogs throughout the United States, creating a nationwide network that perpetuated the cruel practice across state lines.
Justice Department Promises Full Prosecution
The bust represents a significant blow to the underground dog fighting industry according to acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. “This strategic prosecution of an alleged repeat offender led to the seizure of 190 dogs destined for a cruel end,” Gustafson stated, adding that the operation “disrupts a major source of dogs used in other dog fighting ventures.”
“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment. The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Johnson played in the NFL from 1994 to 1999, including stints with the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers. His fall from professional athlete to alleged operator of the largest dog fighting ring in FBI history represents a shocking contrast between his public career and the secretive criminal enterprise he now stands accused of running.
Sources:
Ex-NFL RB LeShon Johnson indicted on federal dogfighting charges – Yahoo Sports