Using his experience as a former professional athlete in the NFL, Kendrick learned to develop his talent and passion and turn it into an opportunity to reach goals he wanted to achieve off the field. Community service has always been an integral part of his life wherever he played during his professional career, and upon retiring, he decided to turn that passion into a fulltime job. Working for public schools building life skills programs, non-profits, and now an academic advisor for athletes at a Big East University has molded the perspective and energy in which Kendrick applies his services to his students. His philosophy is “every person runs the same race but at different speeds, the only true goal one should have is to finish that race as strong as possible”.

 

Being born on the west side of Chicago, much of his character was formed by the love and pain of the city. He lost several friends to violence, these events planted the seed in Kendrick’s mind about how much talent is lost because of a lack of opportunity and insight of self. This started to shape his community service efforts. His work ethic came from the efforts of his parents, mostly through his mother who worked 16 hours days 5 to 6 days a week. This combined with his athletic prowess provided him the opportunity to excel in football, but it was his love of reading and academics that landed him at Lane Technical high school, one of the best academic schools in the city. During his senior year he flourished on the field and was offered a scholarship at the University of Louisville. Never lacking confidence and knowing what he was capable of accomplishing, upon first meeting the coaches and trainers, he told the head trainer, “I will break every record by any defensive lineman at this school”. Brimming with confidence he didn’t break every record, but he did leave school as the all-time sack leader, made all-conference three years in a row, was ranked in the top 20 defensive ends in the nation during his senior year, and was an All-American candidate going into his senior year campaign.

 

Upon leaving college Kendrick played in the NFL and CFL for several years, playing with such teams as the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Toronto Argonauts. Being a professional athlete showed him what a great work ethic could do for you when applied to minimal or maximum talent, the only thing that could impede one is a true opportunity. This has been Kendrick’s passion since retiring from the sports, to grow community so it may afford the youth opportunities for greatness. He has worked with organization such as Athletes United for Youth, an organization started by all former and current professional athletes and the Play-it-Smart program which is funded by the NFL and the National College Football Foundation. He has advised college athletes at Rutgers University and is currently an athletic advisor at TCU.

 

Kendrick now resides in Texas with his lovely wife Nicole and their two children Adiah and Joshua. In his off time he enjoys reading, playing any sport that challenges him, working with his hands and participating in any community service project. His goal in speaking to every group he encounters is for that group to realize who they truly are and to grab their destiny and never let go.

 

 

Topics:
Youth/Children, Sports/Athletics, Inspirational, Vision/Purpose, Teamwork/Teambuilding

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