Regardless of where his NFL career takes him, Phoenix will always be home for Devon Kennard.
The former Desert Vista High and USC star is coming off a 58-tackle, seven-sack year in what was his second season at linebacker for the Detroit Lions after playing his first four with the New York Giants.
While Kennard still has plenty of gas left in his NFL tank, he’s already looks ahead and being pro-active off the field with his charitable work here in the Valley which he hopes to continue to grow.
“That’s kind of my next phase and the direction I want to go,” Kennard said in a Skype interview with Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat. “I’m always a forward thinker. I’m always thinking of what’s next or what’s my plan from here. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve tried to leave it a better place then when I got there. I feel good about what I’ve been able to do.”
Kennard, who attended the Super Bowl week in Miami, was honored as a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. The award was won by former Arizona Cardinal standout, now Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Calais Campbell.
His vision off the field is laser focused on the Valley and how he can make it a better community for everyone.
“Thinking about Arizona being home for me and the impact I’ve been able to help other places, especially off the field,” he explained. “I want to be able to go back and do the same thing. Home is a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew up. It has always and will always be home for me.”
Kennard went on to say he will likely be looking for a home in the Ahwatukee area near his alma mater, DV.
“I bleed blue and gold still,” he said with a chuckle. “Always.”
