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.

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