Former NFL player and 1994 NIU graduate LeShon Johnson was arrested in May and charged with racketeering and conspiracy following a 17-month investigation into dogfighting.

On Friday, Oklahoma state narcotics agents seized more than 80 pit bulls after three search warrants were served at Johnson’s Tulsa residence.

Johnson, 33, was among 22 people accused of participating in gambling on pit bull terrier fights. More than 220 dogs have been confiscated throughout the investigation; authorities said the animals looked malnourished and had obvious injuries from fighting.

“When we did the round-up in May, we knew we didn’t get all of the people involved, nor did we get all of the dogs,” said Mark Woodward, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, to The Associated Press. “[Friday], we found the dogs we were looking for, as well as documentation that will help tie seven to 10 more people to this dog fighting and drug distribution network.”

Johnson was drafted No. 84 by the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 NFL Draft. He finished his pro career with the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers in 2000.

He played at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Community College before suiting up for the Huskies in 1992-’93. In ‘93 Johnson was the nation’s No. 1 rusher with 1,926 yards. Although the Huskies finished the year 4-7, he ended sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting with five first-place votes.

Further evidence of the dog fighting was found at the residence of Luther Johnson Jr., LeShon Johnson’s brother, as well as the home of Brian McLain, Luther Johnson Jr.’s brother-in-law.

Four of the 22 people also were accused of selling drugs. Johnson was not believed to be one of the four.

Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in Oklahoma.