ABOUT DEVON KENNARD

I’m Devon Kennard—former NFL linebacker, investor, entrepreneur, and author based in Arizona. After nearly a decade in the league, I transitioned full-time into building wealth through real estate, private lending, and business ownership.

My investing journey started during my playing career and has evolved into an Arizona-based investment company and lending firm that deploys eight figures of capital. Today, I focus on deploying capital across private lending, buying and building real estate portfolios, and investing in or building small businesses—all with a long-term, cash-flow-first mindset.

MISSION & PHILOSOPHY

I believe financial freedom isn’t just about passive income—it’s about peace of mind, time freedom, and legacy. Through 42 Solutions and Kennard Capital, I help others build real wealth by investing in strategic, long-term opportunities—primarily right here in Arizona.

I’m passionate about teaching others how to do the same. Whether it’s through my books, newsletter, speaking engagements, or social content, I focus on creating actionable education that equips people to think like investors and make money work for them.

I don’t chase the latest trends—I build long-term portfolios with consistent returns and protect capital with discipline, structure, and patience.

GIVING BACK & FINANCIAL LITERACY

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of my mission. I regularly mentor current and former NFL players and young people from underserved communities. In 2019, I was honored with a Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination for my philanthropic efforts promoting education and financial empowerment.

My books—It All Adds Up and Real Estate Side Hustle—break down the frameworks I’ve used to build my wealth and are designed to help others take control of their finances, even with limited time or capital.

Inspiring people to achieve financial independence, especially those who didn’t grow up with access to this knowledge, is one of my deepest passions.

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FAMILY & PURPOSE

At the heart of everything I do is my family—my wife Camille and our two daughters. They are my why and my constant reminder of what really matters. Every investment I make, every business I build, and every dollar I deploy is done with their future in mind.

To me, living well isn’t just about enjoying the moment—it’s about designing a life that lasts. I’m not trying to win the sprint. I’m playing for forever.

NFL CAREER

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2014 DRAFT PICK

174TH

CAREER LENGTH

9 TEAM CAPTAIN

2X

GAMES PLAYED

118 TOTAL TACKLES

357 SACKS

26.5 FORCED FUMBLES

4 FUMBLE RECOVERIES

6 INTERCEPTIONS

1 NFL CAREER TIMELINE

Born into the Game
Football has always been in my blood. My father, Derek Kennard, played 11 years in the NFL and started for the Dallas Cowboys in their 1996 Super Bowl-winning team. His journey inspired my own path in the sport.

High School Star
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Desert Vista High School, where I excelled on and off the field. I was a High School All-American and ranked as a top-10 football prospect nationally, graduating with a 3.9 GPA.

USC Trojan
I went on to play college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Management. My time at USC prepared me for success both on and off the field, setting the foundation for my NFL journey.

New York Giants (2014-2017)
My NFL career began in 2014 when I was selected as the 174th overall pick (5th round) by the New York Giants. I made an immediate impact, earning a starting spot my rookie season and being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on December 7, 2014.
Over four seasons, I became known for my versatility, playing both linebacker and defensive end, and recorded 203 tackles, 9 sacks, and 1 interception.

Detroit Lions (2018-2019)
In 2018, I signed with the Detroit Lions, where I had two of my best seasons. In my first year, I was named team captain and recorded 46 tackles and 7 sacks, only to surpass that the next year with 58 tackles and 7 sacks.

Off the field, I worked closely with after-school programs in Detroit, earning a nomination for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for my community efforts.

Arizona Cardinals (2020-2022)
I returned home to Arizona in 2020, signing a 3-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Playing for the Cardinals was significant for my family and me as it brought my career full circle. My father had also played for the Cardinals, making us one of only three father-son duos to play for the organization.

During my time with the Cardinals, I continued to give back to the Phoenix community, staying active in local philanthropic efforts.

Baltimore Ravens (2022)
In October 2022, I joined the Baltimore Ravens for a brief stint, spending seven weeks with the team. It was an incredible experience to play for another storied franchise.
Retirement (October 2023)

After nine incredible seasons, I officially retired from the NFL in October 2023. One of my lifelong goals was to retire on my own terms, and I’m proud to say I accomplished that. Ending my career healthy and with the success I achieved on and off the field is an honor I don’t take lightly.

INVESTOR

I entered the NFL in 2014 and bought my first investment property just a year later. From day one, I set out to build wealth off the field as intentionally as I competed on it. That mindset shaped my identity—not just as an athlete, but as an investor, entrepreneur, and wealth builder.

For nearly a decade, I built an 8-figure portfolio of privately held real estate and passive investments—spanning residential rentals, commercial assets, and syndicated opportunities across the country. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how to create income, preserve capital, and invest with long-term discipline.

Today, my focus has pivoted from investing passively nationwide to building and owning locally. I now concentrate on deploying capital here in Arizona—lending to real estate investors, acquiring income-producing properties, and investing in small businesses with staying power. I believe in investing where I live, where I can build trust, and where I have direct influence on the outcome.

In 2023, I launched 42 Solutions, a private lending company that helps local real estate investors fund great deals while earning consistent income through structured, asset-backed lending. It’s become a cornerstone of my strategy to create scalable, reliable cash flow and long-term equity.

But this journey isn’t just about me. I’m passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom—whether that’s mentoring NFL players, speaking on wealth-building strategies, or teaching young people the power of financial literacy. I believe anyone can gain independence with the right mindset, a clear game plan, and relentless consistency.