06-25-2002, 01:49 PM
These are interviews with HOG alums and players by Arkansas Sports Online. ( <a href="http://www.arkansassportsonline.com" target="_blank">www.arkansassportsonline.com</a> )
First one on the thread... FS Kenoy Kennedy (Class of 99.. Denver Broncos)
Kenoy Kennedy Interview
by Ryan Scott
Big hits are just a routine part of any football game, but if that game has Kenoy Kennedy in the secondary, then they may be routine as clockwork. There is something about a bone crushing tackle that gives every football lover a smile. Intimidating for the opposing team, and inspiring for the team that delivers the blow, the well-executed destruction of another player is possibly one of the biggest momentum swingers in football. Making a big hit in a football game seems to be more of an art form for some players than others. The University of Arkansas has had its share of hitters. Steve A****er may be the first to come to mind, but Kenoy Kennedy has definitely secured his spot at the top of the heap. Kenoy is fast making a name for himself in the NFL as a big hitter, and all around defensive back for the Denver Broncos. How ironic is it that Kenoy played for the same college team at the same position as A****er, got drafted by the same professional team, at the same position, and is quickly becoming regarded as one of the biggest hitting safeties in the NFL. Of course, for Razorback fans Kenoy's talents are not the least bit surprising. We watched him dominate players unmercifully for four years. Kenoy was gracious enough to give me some time with him during the first annual Skills and Drills camp at North Little Rock High School recently. I watched as he put the kids through an assortment of drills, and lets say Kenoy just may have a future in coaching. After the camp, I got my shot with Kenoy. It was hot, muggy, the sun was beating down, and I stood with Kenoy for about 30 minutes in the middle of the field interviewing him in between autographs, pictures, and wiping the sweat from our brows. Find out what Kenoy has to say on everything from big hitting to life in the NFL.
p.s. I'm glad I'm not the one being paid to go over the middle against the Broncos
How has the transition from college to professional sports been in your opinion?
It's kind of like the jump from high school to college; you know you are not the only all-star out there. Everybody is good. Professionally it's not really ability anymore it's how well you know your plays. Everybody has ability out there, but in the NFL we meet more than we practice. So that's the biggest transition.
What do you like most about being a professional athlete?
The money! (Laughingly) You know, the opportunities that it affords you. I get the chance to meet a lot of people. Being a role model. When I was young growing up, I always wanted to meet a star, and now I get the chance to make a lot of kids' day. For instance this camp, the kids see you on TV, here they get to touch you and feel you. They want to feel how your jersey feels, so when they watch you on TV they can say, I touched his jersey you know. That makes my day when I am able to help somebody out like that.
Is it true that they called you little A****er when you first showed up to Bronco's camp?
Yeah. They actually gave me number 27 and everything. I was like, man I don't even want it. I don't think I am worthy of that number yet. So I told them I wanted to change to number 28, so I can make my own number, so someone might be compared to Kenoy Kennedy.
What was it like playing the same position on the same team that A****er once played for?
Actually, it's cool. You know we went to the same college, played the same position, got drafted by the same team…… it's ironic. Hopefully my career will end up like his did, you know on top being one of the biggest names, one of the biggest safeties in football.
Is Arkansas becoming well known for turning out good defensive backs.
Yes, and hopefully it will hold true, and we can continue to bring great defensive backs out.
What is the biggest hit you have ever made, college or pro, in your opinion?
Ohh….uhh, I would have to say James Whalen. The Kentucky game.
I see it brings a smile to your face!
I'm trying to find the films to show all my boys in Denver. No actually I'll take that back. I would have to say high school. I hit this one guy and it was unbelievable man. Oh man is helmet came off and flew like six feet in the air, all the pads came out of his helmet, and he was knocked out Indian style on the field for like five minutes. People were scared to touch him.
How does that make you feel when something like that happens?
It's not anything to be proud of, but it is football you know.
You know you are taking that chance?
Yeah, that is part of it, but the good news was that he was all right.
What would Kenoy Kennedy be if he wasn't a football player?
I'm into electronics, so one day I hope to own my own car audio type place. I'm into stereos, I love music, loud music, so hopefully doing something like that. I like working with my hands.
You are known as a big hitter, does that bring with it a lot of added pressure?
No, it is not pressure at all, it is just the way I play. It's not really pressure, I could see if I were a three point shooter and had a bad game, and there was pressure to shoot the ball well, but hitting is a big part of football, and I happen to be good at it.
Do you make an effort to hit people big, or is that just a bi-product of your style of football?
That is just my style, that's how I am, I am a physical guy. I don't go out there and think, man I'm gonna hit this guy hard, that's just how it comes. I've been physical since I was a little boy.
What is your favorite football memory?
The Tennessee game, the game after they beat us the year before, and we came back and redeemed ourselves. I have to say that is my best one.
What play that you were involved in stands out most in your mind? When you think about your own Kenoy Kennedy highlight film, what play stands out?
Probably one of my hits. Just laying a guy out. Probably that hit on James Whalen.
What is the hardest thing about being a professional athlete?
Just the demand to be perfect. It really doesn't take much, but they expect you to be perfect. That is why we get paid the big money. Just the pressure of coming out and having to play perfect, because there is always someone looking to take your job. It's not like college where you just come out and go sit on the bench. You got a family to feed, and that is how you make your money is playing.
Who do you like playing against most in the NFL?
I would say Oakland or Kansas City. The fans get riled up, and we have some of the best games. You are just so tired after the games, because you gave it your all.
What's it like to play against someone like Jerry Rice? Do you have to pinch yourself?
I kind of grew up watching, besides Steve A****er, that was my guy growing up. To play against him is like a dream come true. I always wondered what it would be like to cover him.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
Football, basketball, and track. I actually placed third in the state in the triple jump. Then as I got bigger I….
Couldn't stay up in the air as long?
Yeah(laughing) something like that.
What do you like to do when you are not playing football or training?
Listen to music. R and B, whatever is out and good, I'm listening to it. Do that, play video games and hang with my boys.
Do you play any instruments?
No, I always wanted to, but I just love music.
What advice would you give to young up and coming players?
Work hard. That's what it takes to get to this level. It can't just come out of raw talent. You may be able to get away with just talent in high school, and a little in college, but to make it to the pro level, you have to work hard. I am still working hard today.
Who gave you your welcome to the NFL shot?
Special teams, I don't know exactly who it was. It was a kickoff, I was busting the wedge. It just makes your whole body tingle, and I said I am definitely with the big boys now.Which game was that?
My first pre-season game my rookie year.
Are you married?
Yeah, actually I will have been married one year on the 30th of this month to Charessa, she's here actually.
Who are your closest friends on the Bronco's squad?
Darrius Clark, Delta O'Neal, he actually made it to the pro bowl this year. Actually my whole rookie class is pretty tight.
How sweet was the Cotton Bowl victory in 1999?
Oh it was good. You know actually my wife was attending UT, she was kind of sitting in the middle cheering for both teams. People were looking at her like she was crazy. But it was great, I always wanted to play Texas, I almost went to Texas. Actually my father went to Texas, so it made it pretty sweet.
What persuaded you to come to Arkansas?
I liked the environment. The coaches then. Coach Washburn kind of won me over. He did a great job recruiting me. It just seemed like a place that I would like to be for four or five years.
What's your favorite junk food?
Cheese puffs. Oh man, I can eat a whole three-dollar bag of cheese puffs. Cheese puffs and nachos. Pretty much anything with cheese on it, I am a cheese freak.
First one on the thread... FS Kenoy Kennedy (Class of 99.. Denver Broncos)
Kenoy Kennedy Interview
by Ryan Scott
Big hits are just a routine part of any football game, but if that game has Kenoy Kennedy in the secondary, then they may be routine as clockwork. There is something about a bone crushing tackle that gives every football lover a smile. Intimidating for the opposing team, and inspiring for the team that delivers the blow, the well-executed destruction of another player is possibly one of the biggest momentum swingers in football. Making a big hit in a football game seems to be more of an art form for some players than others. The University of Arkansas has had its share of hitters. Steve A****er may be the first to come to mind, but Kenoy Kennedy has definitely secured his spot at the top of the heap. Kenoy is fast making a name for himself in the NFL as a big hitter, and all around defensive back for the Denver Broncos. How ironic is it that Kenoy played for the same college team at the same position as A****er, got drafted by the same professional team, at the same position, and is quickly becoming regarded as one of the biggest hitting safeties in the NFL. Of course, for Razorback fans Kenoy's talents are not the least bit surprising. We watched him dominate players unmercifully for four years. Kenoy was gracious enough to give me some time with him during the first annual Skills and Drills camp at North Little Rock High School recently. I watched as he put the kids through an assortment of drills, and lets say Kenoy just may have a future in coaching. After the camp, I got my shot with Kenoy. It was hot, muggy, the sun was beating down, and I stood with Kenoy for about 30 minutes in the middle of the field interviewing him in between autographs, pictures, and wiping the sweat from our brows. Find out what Kenoy has to say on everything from big hitting to life in the NFL.
p.s. I'm glad I'm not the one being paid to go over the middle against the Broncos
How has the transition from college to professional sports been in your opinion?
It's kind of like the jump from high school to college; you know you are not the only all-star out there. Everybody is good. Professionally it's not really ability anymore it's how well you know your plays. Everybody has ability out there, but in the NFL we meet more than we practice. So that's the biggest transition.
What do you like most about being a professional athlete?
The money! (Laughingly) You know, the opportunities that it affords you. I get the chance to meet a lot of people. Being a role model. When I was young growing up, I always wanted to meet a star, and now I get the chance to make a lot of kids' day. For instance this camp, the kids see you on TV, here they get to touch you and feel you. They want to feel how your jersey feels, so when they watch you on TV they can say, I touched his jersey you know. That makes my day when I am able to help somebody out like that.
Is it true that they called you little A****er when you first showed up to Bronco's camp?
Yeah. They actually gave me number 27 and everything. I was like, man I don't even want it. I don't think I am worthy of that number yet. So I told them I wanted to change to number 28, so I can make my own number, so someone might be compared to Kenoy Kennedy.
What was it like playing the same position on the same team that A****er once played for?
Actually, it's cool. You know we went to the same college, played the same position, got drafted by the same team…… it's ironic. Hopefully my career will end up like his did, you know on top being one of the biggest names, one of the biggest safeties in football.
Is Arkansas becoming well known for turning out good defensive backs.
Yes, and hopefully it will hold true, and we can continue to bring great defensive backs out.
What is the biggest hit you have ever made, college or pro, in your opinion?
Ohh….uhh, I would have to say James Whalen. The Kentucky game.
I see it brings a smile to your face!
I'm trying to find the films to show all my boys in Denver. No actually I'll take that back. I would have to say high school. I hit this one guy and it was unbelievable man. Oh man is helmet came off and flew like six feet in the air, all the pads came out of his helmet, and he was knocked out Indian style on the field for like five minutes. People were scared to touch him.
How does that make you feel when something like that happens?
It's not anything to be proud of, but it is football you know.
You know you are taking that chance?
Yeah, that is part of it, but the good news was that he was all right.
What would Kenoy Kennedy be if he wasn't a football player?
I'm into electronics, so one day I hope to own my own car audio type place. I'm into stereos, I love music, loud music, so hopefully doing something like that. I like working with my hands.
You are known as a big hitter, does that bring with it a lot of added pressure?
No, it is not pressure at all, it is just the way I play. It's not really pressure, I could see if I were a three point shooter and had a bad game, and there was pressure to shoot the ball well, but hitting is a big part of football, and I happen to be good at it.
Do you make an effort to hit people big, or is that just a bi-product of your style of football?
That is just my style, that's how I am, I am a physical guy. I don't go out there and think, man I'm gonna hit this guy hard, that's just how it comes. I've been physical since I was a little boy.
What is your favorite football memory?
The Tennessee game, the game after they beat us the year before, and we came back and redeemed ourselves. I have to say that is my best one.
What play that you were involved in stands out most in your mind? When you think about your own Kenoy Kennedy highlight film, what play stands out?
Probably one of my hits. Just laying a guy out. Probably that hit on James Whalen.
What is the hardest thing about being a professional athlete?
Just the demand to be perfect. It really doesn't take much, but they expect you to be perfect. That is why we get paid the big money. Just the pressure of coming out and having to play perfect, because there is always someone looking to take your job. It's not like college where you just come out and go sit on the bench. You got a family to feed, and that is how you make your money is playing.
Who do you like playing against most in the NFL?
I would say Oakland or Kansas City. The fans get riled up, and we have some of the best games. You are just so tired after the games, because you gave it your all.
What's it like to play against someone like Jerry Rice? Do you have to pinch yourself?
I kind of grew up watching, besides Steve A****er, that was my guy growing up. To play against him is like a dream come true. I always wondered what it would be like to cover him.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
Football, basketball, and track. I actually placed third in the state in the triple jump. Then as I got bigger I….
Couldn't stay up in the air as long?
Yeah(laughing) something like that.
What do you like to do when you are not playing football or training?
Listen to music. R and B, whatever is out and good, I'm listening to it. Do that, play video games and hang with my boys.
Do you play any instruments?
No, I always wanted to, but I just love music.
What advice would you give to young up and coming players?
Work hard. That's what it takes to get to this level. It can't just come out of raw talent. You may be able to get away with just talent in high school, and a little in college, but to make it to the pro level, you have to work hard. I am still working hard today.
Who gave you your welcome to the NFL shot?
Special teams, I don't know exactly who it was. It was a kickoff, I was busting the wedge. It just makes your whole body tingle, and I said I am definitely with the big boys now.Which game was that?
My first pre-season game my rookie year.
Are you married?
Yeah, actually I will have been married one year on the 30th of this month to Charessa, she's here actually.
Who are your closest friends on the Bronco's squad?
Darrius Clark, Delta O'Neal, he actually made it to the pro bowl this year. Actually my whole rookie class is pretty tight.
How sweet was the Cotton Bowl victory in 1999?
Oh it was good. You know actually my wife was attending UT, she was kind of sitting in the middle cheering for both teams. People were looking at her like she was crazy. But it was great, I always wanted to play Texas, I almost went to Texas. Actually my father went to Texas, so it made it pretty sweet.
What persuaded you to come to Arkansas?
I liked the environment. The coaches then. Coach Washburn kind of won me over. He did a great job recruiting me. It just seemed like a place that I would like to be for four or five years.
What's your favorite junk food?
Cheese puffs. Oh man, I can eat a whole three-dollar bag of cheese puffs. Cheese puffs and nachos. Pretty much anything with cheese on it, I am a cheese freak.