ESPN Analyst Keyshawn Johnson Is Tackling the Heartbreaking Tragedy of Daughter Maia’s Death (2024)

Keyshawn Johnson turned his life around after a run-in with the law in junior high school and a failed first attempt at college football. The man who went on to become a Pro Bowl wide receiver, ESPN analyst, and even a contestant on Dancing with the Stars now faces a new hurdle in life: dealing with the death of his daughter Maia.

ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson revealed that daughter Maia has died

She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us. We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) March 15, 2021

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Keyshawn Johnson, the retired college and NFL wide receiver who went on to a second career at ESPN, used social media on Monday to reveal the death of 25-year-old daughter Maia.

“It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Maia, as my first born child, has been the joy of my, and her Mother Shikiri’s, life.”

According to TMZ.com, Maia was Johnson’s first child with Shikiri Hightower, to whom he was married from 1998-2002. They also had a son, Keyshawn Jr., in 1998. Johnson also has two children, London and Vance, with his current wife, Jennifer Conrad.

“She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us,” Johnson wrote.

The cause of death and where she was living were not immediately known.

Friends and colleagues express their sympathy

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Keyshawn Johnson first came to the attention of the sports world as an All-American at USC, where he caught 168 passes and 16 touchdowns in two seasons. He moved on to the NFL as the first overall pick of the 1996 NFL draft by the New York Jets.

Johnson caught 305 passes and 31 touchdowns in four seasons with the Jets, then went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade and reunited with Bill Parcells in 2004 with the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson completed his playing days in 2006 with the Carolina Panthers.

He totaled 814 catches and 64 receptions in an 11-year career and transitioned into an analyst role for ESPN on Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown. The network quickly issued a statement in support of Johnson.

“Our thoughts are with Keyshawn and his family as they deal with this unthinkable tragedy,”the ESPN statement said. “He has the full support of his ESPN family.”

The New York Jets also reached out: “Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Keyshawn.”

The retired star’s colleagues chimed in, too:

From Jemele Hill: “I am so very sorry Keshawn. That is devastating and heartbreaking to hear.

From Louis Riddick: “From my family to yours … our deepest and most sincere condolences brother.”

Keyshawn Johnson rose up from a rough start

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The death of daughter Maia at the age of 25 is, of course, a terrible blow to retired NFL standout and current ESPN personality Keyshawn Johnson. Raising a family has marked yet another success in a life that could have gone a different, destructive direction.

While still in junior high, Johnson was sent to a youth facility in California for nine months after being found in possession of marijuana, cocaine, and a handgun, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Later, his grades weren’t good enough coming out of high school to get into a four-year university, so Johnson enrolled at West Los Angeles College, a junior college. His freshman football stint lasted just eight games before he quit, but Johnson got his affairs in order and returned to the field two seasons later.

The receiver’s JUCO play attracted the attention of USC coach John Robinson, who offered a scholarship. The following fall, Johnson caught 66 passes for 1,362 yards and nine TDs to start him on the path to success.

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ESPN Analyst Keyshawn Johnson Is Tackling the Heartbreaking Tragedy of Daughter Maia’s Death (2024)

FAQs

Who is Keyshawn nephew? ›

Keyshawn Johnson Jr. was a wide receiver at the University of Nebraska. His nephew is former New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas. On March 15, 2021, Johnson announced on his Twitter that his oldest daughter Maia had died.

What happened to Keyshawn? ›

The former NFL star can now join Skip Bayless on FS1's “Undisputed,” Front Office Spots confirmed on Friday. Johsnon had about $18 million left on his multiyear deal with ESPN.

What happened to Thiago Maia? ›

On 22 January 2020, Maia returned to Brazil, signing with Flamengo on an 18-month loan. An option to make the transfer permanent was included in the deal. Maia's transfer to Flamengo was made permanent on 13 January 2022.

How fast was Keyshawn Johnson? ›

No one had ever timed Johnson in the all-important 40-yard dash. So with about 25 clubs armed with stopwatches, Johnson ran twice and proudly reported he was clocked at an impressive 4. 41 seconds by one team. An NFL source confirmed that most of the other watches agreed he came in under 4.

Does Keyshawn Johnson have a ring? ›

A two-time All-American standout at USC, Johnson went on to win a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an 11-year NFL career.

Is Keyshawn in Hof? ›

Keyshawn Johnson is not in the Hall of Fame.

Who is Keyshawn Johnson married to now? ›

Jennifer Conrad is Keyshawn Johnson's second wife. He was previously married to his first wife, Shikiri Hightower, from 1998 to 2002, and they share two children, son Keyshawn Johnson Jr and daughter Maia Johnson.

Is Keshad Johnson related to Keyshawn? ›

Keshad is active, present on both ends of the court, and contributes to the team at his best. There is no question why the Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd went for him. While he may not be related to Keyshawn, fans now only wait to see what Keshad will do for the Wildcats.

Did Keyshawn Johnson play for the Dallas Cowboys? ›

Take a look at 3x Pro Bowler Keyshawn Johnson's career as a wide receiver for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. Johnson won Super Bowl XXXVII playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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