Former NFL player LeShon Johnson is facing 21 federal charges in what officials call the largest dogfighting operation bust in US history, with 190 pit bulls seized from his Oklahoma property. FBI agents seized 190 pit bulls from Johnson’s “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the largest seizure from a single person in US history. Johnson allegedly bred and sold “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs with known combat records. This is not Johnson’s first offense; he previously pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level in 2004.
Record-Breaking Dog Fighting Operation Uncovered
Federal authorities have indicted former NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson on 21 charges related to what they describe as the largest dogfighting operation ever dismantled in the United States. The FBI raid on Johnson’s property in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, led to the recovery of 190 pit bulls – the largest seizure from a single person in American history. Johnson allegedly operated “Mal Kant Kennels,” a facility that authorities say was a front for breeding and trafficking dogs specifically raised for fighting purposes.
Johnson’s operation reportedly specialized in breeding and training pit bulls that achieved status as “champions” and “grand champions” in the underground dog fighting world. According to federal documents, dogs with these titles command premium prices and breeding rights. A “champion” dog must win three fights, while a “grand champion” requires five victories – achievements that are relatively rare given the severe and often fatal injuries inflicted during these illegal matches.
🚨REPORT: Former #Cardinals RB Leshon Johnson has been charged by the FBI in a massive dog fighting operation, OVER 190 PIT BULLS WERE SEIZED.
This is one of the largest busts in US history, when it comes to animals.
(Via TMZ) pic.twitter.com/vIu0aGcoc4
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 26, 2025
From NFL Fields to Federal Charges
Johnson’s current legal troubles represent a dramatic fall from his days as a professional football player. Selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Johnson also played for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants during his career. His involvement in dog fighting appears to span many years, with records showing he previously pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level in 2004, several years after his NFL career ended.
“This strategic prosecution of an alleged repeat offender led to the seizure of 190 dogs destined for a cruel end. It disrupts a major source of dogs used in other dogfighting ventures.”
Federal prosecutors have highlighted several dogs from Johnson’s operation that achieved notoriety in fighting circles. These included animals with names like “Hogg,” “War Pony,” and “Boot Stomper”—each” with documented fighting histories. Investigators noted that “Hogg” had won eight fights, an exceptionally high number given that many dogs sustain career-ending or fatal injuries in these brutal contests.
Former NFL player LeShon Johnson charged in FBI’s largest dog-fighting bust in U.S. history; 190 pit bulls seized 😳
He faces decades in prison. pic.twitter.com/c3dQ7IGwYc
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) March 26, 2025
National Impact of the Bust
Federal officials view Johnson’s operation as far more than a local problem. According to court documents, Johnson allegedly sold dogs and breeding rights to customers across the United States, effectively supplying the broader underground dog fighting network. The Department of Justice has emphasized that dismantling this operation represents a significant blow to illegal dogfighting enterprises nationwide that depend on specialized breeding programs for their activities.
“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.”
The case has drawn significant attention not only for the celebrity status of the defendant but also for the scale of the operation. Dog fighting remains illegal in all 50 states and is a felony in most jurisdictions. Despite these prohibitions, underground fighting rings continue to operate across America, often connected to other criminal activities including illegal gambling and drug trafficking. Federal authorities have not yet released information about the condition of the recovered animals or their current placement.