The NFL players’ participation in dog fighting rings has had a long and negative impact on the sport of professional football, where athletes are frequently hailed as heroes. LeShon Johnson and Michael Vick’s cases are glaring examples of how grave mistakes can tarnish wealth and fame.
After being found guilty in 2007 of running a dog fighting ring in Virginia called “Bad Newz Kennels,” Michael Vick, a former star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, had his career end. Vick was suspended from the NFL and sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for the operation, which involved training and executing more than 50 pit bulls.
In a similar vein, LeShon Johnson, a former running back for the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, was charged in 2025 with operating “Mal Kant Kennels,” a massive dog fighting business in Oklahoma. The largest seizure in a federal dog fighting case occurred when authorities confiscated 190 pit bull-type dogs from his properties.
Player Profiles:
| Name | Michael Vick | LeShon Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Born | June 26, 1980 | January 15, 1971 |
| NFL Career | Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles | Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals |
| Position | Quarterback | Running Back |
| Conviction Year | 2007 | 2025 (Indicted) |
| Operation Name | Bad Newz Kennels | Mal Kant Kennels |
| Dogs Seized | Over 50 | 190 |
| Legal Outcome | 23 months in federal prison | Facing up to 5 years per count |
An Appeal for Redemption and Reform
In addition to having legal ramifications for the parties concerned, these well-publicized cases have spurred a national dialogue about animal abuse and the obligations of public leaders. In response, the NFL has strengthened its rules regarding personal conduct and teamed up with animal welfare groups to encourage prevention and education.
Furthermore, the recovery of the rescued dogs—particularly those from Vick’s operation—has shown how resilient these creatures are and the benefits of committed care and support. Numerous of these dogs have found new homes and are now used as therapy animals, representing healing and hope.
As the league works to resolve these problems, the focus is still on developing a culture of responsibility and empathy to make sure that the deeds of a select few do not compromise the integrity of the sport as a whole.
For more detailed information on these cases, refer to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s case study on Michael Vick and the Department of Justice’s press release on LeShon Johnson.
