LeShon Johnson NFL Runner Gets 5 Years for Dogfighting

Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson, 55, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, received a five-year federal prison sentence Thursday for his role in a dogfighting operation. Prosecutors also mandated three years of supervised release and a $30,000 fine.

A jury convicted Johnson in August 2025 on six felony charges: three counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture, two counts of selling a dog for use in such a venture, and one count of sale, transport, and delivery of a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.

The sentencing follows a major seizure in 2023, when Johnson surrendered 190 dogs to the government. The U.S. Department of Justice stated this marked the largest number of dogs ever seized from an individual in a federal dogfighting case.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed Johnson operated a large-scale breeding and selling scheme for fighting dogs since at least 2007. He ran an operation called “Krazyside Kennels” before starting a new venture, “Mal Kant Kennels.” Prosecutors reported Johnson bred and trafficked hundreds of dogs for fighting nationwide.

The trial showed Johnson advertised many dogs as “champions” or “grand champions,” indicating three or five wins, respectively. He also sold puppies from specific bloodlines and charged stud fees. These sales generated hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. said, “LeShon Johnson will face justice for building another particularly egregious and violent dogfighting scheme.” Woodward added, “Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. Anyone attempting to build violent and illicit business schemes cannot hide from the Department of Justice.”

Johnson played college football at Northern Illinois. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the third round of the 1994 NFL draft. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.