Falcons Ex Eric Johnson Arrested for Human Trafficking; Could Face Life in Prison

A member of the 2004 Atlanta Falcons was one of eight gang members officially indicted on several charges.

One former Atlanta Falcons player has found himself in a world of trouble.

Eric Johnson, who played both linebacker and defensive back during his six-year career that lasted from 2000 through 2005, was one of eight members of the LOTTO (Last One to Take Over) Gang arrested and indicted on Feb. 8, per Fox 5 Atlanta.

Johnson, 46, was listed by police as one of the leaders of the gang and has been charged with the following crimes ...

• RICO

• Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude

• Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

If convicted, Johnson will face life in prison.

Johnson played for the Falcons in 2004, seeing time in all 16 games. The former Nebraska Cornhusker recorded 10 total tackles during his lone season in Atlanta.

A Phoenix, Arizona native, Johnson was listed as a resident of DeKalb County at the time of his arrest, with the warrant officially coming Nov. 11 last year.

In addition to Atlanta, Johnson also played with the Oakland Raiders and Arizona Cardinals. He's best known for returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVII, a game in which the Raiders ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After leaving the NFL in 2005, Johnson spent time with the Georgia Force for two seasons before calling it a career. Evidently, he opted to stay in the state - and will now have his official long-term status decided in the coming months.

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