Kerry Rhodes
Encyclopedia
Kerry Rhodes is an American football
safety for the Arizona Cardinals
of the National Football League
. He was drafted by the New York Jets
in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
. He played college football at Louisville
.
quarterback
and honor student at Jess Lanier High School in Bessemer. As a junior, he threw more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 500 yards and three scores in 1998; guiding Lanier to a 10-2 record. During his senior season, Rhodes threw for more than 1,600 yards and ran for another 850. He was also selected Metro Player of the year and first-team All-state in basketball
of which he led his team to the 6A title game.
as a quarterback for the Cardinals
, but was moved to safety and became one of the team’s best defensive players.
Kerry finished out his first season at Louisville with 10 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. As a reserve in 2002, he had 18 tackles (12 solos), a forced fumble, two pass deflections, a blocked kick and an interception. Kerry took over chores as a free safety in 2003 and registered a career high with a sack, 82 tackles (61 solos) and three stops for losses. In 2004, He closed out his college career with 167 tackles (101 solos), a 12-yard sack, 18 pass deflections and 11 interceptions for 106 yards in returns. Rhodes was accorded first-team All-Conference USA honors that same year. Although he is clearly one of the great defensive players to have passed through the University of Lousiville, he will forever live in infamy to Louisville fans for his dropped interception in a game against the Miami Hurricanes during his senior year. The dropped interception would have potentially sealed the game for the Cards, continued their undefeated season, and kept them in the hunt for the National Championship.
by the New York Jets. That same year, he beat out Oliver Celestin
for the starting job at strong safety and started in 16 consecutive games in 2005. In his first professional season, Kerry recorded 108 total tackles (85 solo), a sack, an interception, 9 pass deflections and a forced fumble.
2006 was a breakout season for the young safety. On September 24, 2006, he made a pivotal play against J.P. Losman
of the Buffalo Bills
, stripping the ball from the quarterback's hands and allowing Shaun Ellis
to return the fumble for a touchdown
. This helped the Jets to a 28-20 victory. He was named AFC
Defensive Player of the Week for week 3. In Week 7, Rhodes intercepted a pass by Detroit Lions
quarterback Jon Kitna
. In Week 12, during the game against the Houston Texans
, Rhodes intercepted a pass by quarterback David Carr
in the second half. On Sunday, December 10, 2006, Kerry received the Sparkplug of the Year Award—the highest honor from the Jets Pack, a fan tailgate. Rhodes' statistics at the end of the season were of a Pro Bowl
caliber, but Ed Reed
, Troy Polamalu
, and John Lynch
proved to be more popular in fan voting and earned the nod ahead of the Jets' safety. Kerry was named to the 2006 "All Pro" teams by ESPN
.com, Sports Illustrated
and the Associated Press
.
2007 Kerry was ranked #29 out of the top 500 players in the NFL by Peter King
for Sports Illustrated.
On April 9, 2008 Kerry signed an extension with the Jets for 5 years worth similar to the five-year, $37.5 million contract that Indianapolis Colts
safety Bob Sanders
signed in December. Rhodes deal is worth for $33.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed.
On November 25, 2009, Rhodes was benched in favor of backup Eric Smith
due to his unproductive season. Rhodes would respond with two interceptions against the Carolina Panthers
, however, his relationship with the team has worsened after getting into a shouting match with secondary coach Dennis Thurman
.
to the Arizona Cardinals
for a 2010 4th round pick and a 2011 7th round pick.
Kerry started and played in all 16 regular season games of the 2010-2011 season for the Arizona Cardinals, recording a total of 90 tackles, 78 solo, 12 assists, 1 sack, 12 points deflected, 4 interceptions returned for a total of 174 yards, longest returned for 66 yards and 4 fumble recoveries. On December 31, 2010, Kerry was awarded The Lloyd Herberg MVP award for the 2010-2011 season by the Arizona chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association.
On Feb 4th, 2011, the Kentucky Chapter of National Football League Players Association Hall announced their new class of 2011. The 2011 Inductees of the hall include players who best represent the sport during 5 decades. Representing for the decade class of 2000 was Kerry Rhodes of University of Louisville, the NY Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The ninth annual induction ceremony will take place on June 24, 2011 at Lexington Opera House.
in August 2007 for his community and foundation work noted as a 2007 "Do Right Man." He has been featured nationally on: The Martha Stewart Show, Late Nite with Jimmy Fallon, CNN Health with Sanjay Gupta, The Biggest Loser, TLC's Cake Boss
along side New York Giants
defense man Justin Tuck
, MTV (Cribs),VH1, BET, ESPN, NFL Network. Summer 2011, look for Kerry to be featured on an upcoming episode of "Downsized", WE TV's hit new reality show doing a media room makeover as well as a photo spread and feature article for "Monarch Magazine's" Summer Travel issue. Print/Online: GQ, People, Details, itness Magazine, Us Weekly, NY Mag, Ocean Drive, Essence, Giant, ESPN The Magazine, Indulge Magazine, King
, Upscale Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, Motor Trend, Monarch Magazine among others. Kerry majored in Communications and minored in Theater Arts at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Kerry's PR agencies of record are New York City based Conversion Sports and Entertainment as well as Platinum Image Ent. Group out of D.C.. Rhodes maintains his own Twitter page as well as a channel on Locker Blogger where he interacts with fans. Videos: Kerry played the role of the Lead Police Officer in Lady Gaga's #1 video "Paparazzi" as well as playing the lead male role in K. Michelle's video for her debut single Fallin'. Endorsement deals have included Under Armour, Sonu Beverages and Karako suits.
in New York sponsored by VIBE
, Hpnotiq
, MyVibe.tv, Ideal PR, The 40/40 Club and UMM. It was attended by fashion and entertainment names including Laveranues Coles
, Jessica White
, Donell Jones
, Anthony Mackie
, Camille McDonald from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 2
and others. In November 2009, Kerry had his 3rd Annual Foundation Celebrity Black Tie Dinner and Celebrity Bowling Bash with sponsorship from Cuttita LLP, Heineken, Merrill Lynch, Moddell's, Muscle Milk, Pamela James Jewelery, Sean John, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Under Armour among others. Attendees included numerous celebrities as well as Coach Rex Ryan and wife,and teammates Jerricho Cotchery, Darrelle Revis, Braylon Edwards, Jay Feely, Vernon Gholston among others.
In 2007 Kerry together with Ideal PR and The Kerry RHODES Foundation created "Catching With Kids" which operates in New York and Alabama neighborhood schools encouraging students through football and general skills how to advance and "catch" all opportunities against all odds.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
safety for the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was drafted by the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after...
. He played college football at Louisville
Louisville Cardinals football
The Louisville Cardinals football team represents the University of Louisville in college football as a member of the Big East Conference. Howard Schnellenberger started the program's rise to relevancy after winning the Miami Hurricanes' first national championship...
.
Early years
Kerry Rhodes was born in Bessemer, Alabama to Jubrella and Jerome Rhodes and began playing football at nine years old. Kerry was a startingStarting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
and honor student at Jess Lanier High School in Bessemer. As a junior, he threw more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 500 yards and three scores in 1998; guiding Lanier to a 10-2 record. During his senior season, Rhodes threw for more than 1,600 yards and ran for another 850. He was also selected Metro Player of the year and first-team All-state in basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
of which he led his team to the 6A title game.
College career
In 2000, he went to the University of LouisvilleUniversity of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General...
as a quarterback for the Cardinals
Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals are the athletic teams representing the University of Louisville. A member of the Big East Conference since 2005, they are known nationally as traditional powers in men's basketball, women's volleyball, and dance team...
, but was moved to safety and became one of the team’s best defensive players.
Kerry finished out his first season at Louisville with 10 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. As a reserve in 2002, he had 18 tackles (12 solos), a forced fumble, two pass deflections, a blocked kick and an interception. Kerry took over chores as a free safety in 2003 and registered a career high with a sack, 82 tackles (61 solos) and three stops for losses. In 2004, He closed out his college career with 167 tackles (101 solos), a 12-yard sack, 18 pass deflections and 11 interceptions for 106 yards in returns. Rhodes was accorded first-team All-Conference USA honors that same year. Although he is clearly one of the great defensive players to have passed through the University of Lousiville, he will forever live in infamy to Louisville fans for his dropped interception in a game against the Miami Hurricanes during his senior year. The dropped interception would have potentially sealed the game for the Cards, continued their undefeated season, and kept them in the hunt for the National Championship.
New York Jets
Rhodes was drafted in the 4th round (123rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after...
by the New York Jets. That same year, he beat out Oliver Celestin
Oliver Celestin
Oliver Celestin, Jr. is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Texas Southern....
for the starting job at strong safety and started in 16 consecutive games in 2005. In his first professional season, Kerry recorded 108 total tackles (85 solo), a sack, an interception, 9 pass deflections and a forced fumble.
2006 was a breakout season for the young safety. On September 24, 2006, he made a pivotal play against J.P. Losman
J.P. Losman
Jonathan Paul "J. P." Losman is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 22nd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
of the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, stripping the ball from the quarterback's hands and allowing Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis
MeShaunda "Shaun" Pizarrur Ellis is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . Ellis was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee...
to return the fumble for a touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
. This helped the Jets to a 28-20 victory. He was named AFC
American Football Conference
The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....
Defensive Player of the Week for week 3. In Week 7, Rhodes intercepted a pass by Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
quarterback Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
. In Week 12, during the game against the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Rhodes intercepted a pass by quarterback David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
in the second half. On Sunday, December 10, 2006, Kerry received the Sparkplug of the Year Award—the highest honor from the Jets Pack, a fan tailgate. Rhodes' statistics at the end of the season were of a Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
caliber, but Ed Reed
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
, Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu
Troy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
, and John Lynch
John Lynch (American football)
John Terrence Lynch, Jr. is a former National Football League strong safety and current NFL on Fox color commentator. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Lynch earned a Super...
proved to be more popular in fan voting and earned the nod ahead of the Jets' safety. Kerry was named to the 2006 "All Pro" teams by ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
.com, Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
and the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
.
2007 Kerry was ranked #29 out of the top 500 players in the NFL by Peter King
Peter King (sportswriter)
Peter King is an American sportswriter. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated and its Web site, including the weekly multiple-page column Monday Morning Quarterback. He is the author of five books, most notably Inside the Helmet, as well as a TV analyst and reporter...
for Sports Illustrated.
On April 9, 2008 Kerry signed an extension with the Jets for 5 years worth similar to the five-year, $37.5 million contract that Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
safety Bob Sanders
Bob Sanders
Demond "Bob" Sanders is a professional American football safety who is currently on the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League. Sanders was drafted in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts...
signed in December. Rhodes deal is worth for $33.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed.
On November 25, 2009, Rhodes was benched in favor of backup Eric Smith
Eric Smith (American football)
-2006:Smith was selected 97th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. Smith had been rising on many draft boards in the weeks leading up to the draft as he was praised for his instincts and physicality on the field. The Jets signed Smith to a contract on July 21, 2006....
due to his unproductive season. Rhodes would respond with two interceptions against the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
, however, his relationship with the team has worsened after getting into a shouting match with secondary coach Dennis Thurman
Dennis Thurman
Dennis Lee Thurman is a retired American football cornerback in the National Football League.- Early life :...
.
Arizona Cardinals
On March 6, 2010, Rhodes was traded from the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
to the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
for a 2010 4th round pick and a 2011 7th round pick.
Kerry started and played in all 16 regular season games of the 2010-2011 season for the Arizona Cardinals, recording a total of 90 tackles, 78 solo, 12 assists, 1 sack, 12 points deflected, 4 interceptions returned for a total of 174 yards, longest returned for 66 yards and 4 fumble recoveries. On December 31, 2010, Kerry was awarded The Lloyd Herberg MVP award for the 2010-2011 season by the Arizona chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association.
On Feb 4th, 2011, the Kentucky Chapter of National Football League Players Association Hall announced their new class of 2011. The 2011 Inductees of the hall include players who best represent the sport during 5 decades. Representing for the decade class of 2000 was Kerry Rhodes of University of Louisville, the NY Jets and Arizona Cardinals. The ninth annual induction ceremony will take place on June 24, 2011 at Lexington Opera House.
Personal
Off the field, Kerry has become a visible and highly photographed face on red carpets hosted by the fashion, music and entertainment industries. His fashion sense, infectious personality and sleek style have conspicuously landed him the label of one of the NFL’s hottest player. He has graced the cover of EssenceEssence (magazine)
Essence is a monthly magazine for African-American women between the ages of 18 and 49. The magazine covers fashion, lifestyle and beauty with an intimate girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone.-History:...
in August 2007 for his community and foundation work noted as a 2007 "Do Right Man." He has been featured nationally on: The Martha Stewart Show, Late Nite with Jimmy Fallon, CNN Health with Sanjay Gupta, The Biggest Loser, TLC's Cake Boss
Cake Boss
Cake Boss is an American reality television series, airing on the cable television network TLC. Set at Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, the show mainly follows Buddy Valastro, his mother, four sisters, and three brothers-in-law, as they operate their business, with a focus on how they make...
along side New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
defense man Justin Tuck
Justin Tuck
Justin Lee Tuck is an American football defensive end for the National Football League's New York Giants.A former standout defensive end for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Tuck currently plays in the National Football League for the New York Giants. His cousin Adalius Thomas was also a former...
, MTV (Cribs),VH1, BET, ESPN, NFL Network. Summer 2011, look for Kerry to be featured on an upcoming episode of "Downsized", WE TV's hit new reality show doing a media room makeover as well as a photo spread and feature article for "Monarch Magazine's" Summer Travel issue. Print/Online: GQ, People, Details, itness Magazine, Us Weekly, NY Mag, Ocean Drive, Essence, Giant, ESPN The Magazine, Indulge Magazine, King
King (magazine)
King is a monthly men's magazine geared toward African American and urban audiences. It features articles about hip-Hop and R&B, as well as articles covering sports and fashion. The magazine is published by Harris Publications, and was a spinoff from XXL. It ceased publication on March 31, 2009,...
, Upscale Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, Motor Trend, Monarch Magazine among others. Kerry majored in Communications and minored in Theater Arts at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Kerry's PR agencies of record are New York City based Conversion Sports and Entertainment as well as Platinum Image Ent. Group out of D.C.. Rhodes maintains his own Twitter page as well as a channel on Locker Blogger where he interacts with fans. Videos: Kerry played the role of the Lead Police Officer in Lady Gaga's #1 video "Paparazzi" as well as playing the lead male role in K. Michelle's video for her debut single Fallin'. Endorsement deals have included Under Armour, Sonu Beverages and Karako suits.
Rhodes Foundation
In 2006, Kerry established The Rhodes Foundation to address the Reaffirming Hopes Of Dream Endearing Scholars living in America’s impoverished neighborhoods. The foundation’s mission supports the educational and financial advancement of young people in underserved high schools nationwide. An event to launch The RHODES Foundation was held on July 19, 2006 at The 40/40 ClubThe 40/40 Club
The 40/40 Club is a chain of sports bars and lounges owned by hip hop mogul Jay-Z and partners Desiree Gonzalez and Juan Pérez. The name is borrowed from the baseball term used to denote the exclusive group of Major League Baseball players who have achieved the rare individual feat of recording 40...
in New York sponsored by VIBE
VIBE
Vibe is a music and entertainment magazine founded by producer Quincy Jones. The publication predominantly features R&B and hip-hop music artists, actors and other entertainers...
, Hpnotiq
Hpnotiq
Hpnotiq liqueur is a blend of natural fruit juices, premium vodka and a touch of cognac. It is 34 proof and is available in over 70 countries worldwide.-History:...
, MyVibe.tv, Ideal PR, The 40/40 Club and UMM. It was attended by fashion and entertainment names including Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Leon Coles is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University....
, Jessica White
Jessica White
Jessica White is an American model and occasional actress and DJ.-Career:At the age of 16, White was scouted in her hometown of Buffalo, New York, and had gone to Personal Best modeling school at age sixteen...
, Donell Jones
Donell Jones
Donell Jones is an American R&B singer, songwriter and record producer.He is most notable for the hits "U Know What's Up," "Where I Wanna Be," and his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet"...
, Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie is an American actor. He has been featured in feature films, television series and Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Drowning Crow, McReele, A Soldier's Play, and Talk, by Carl Hancock Rux, for which he won an Obie Award in 2002.In 2002 he featured...
, Camille McDonald from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 2
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 2
America's Next Top Model Cycle 2, which premiered on January 13, 2004, was the second season of America's Next Top Model hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, which aims to find the next top fashion model. The cycle's catch-phrase was "They are all gorgeous, but only one has what it takes".This was the...
and others. In November 2009, Kerry had his 3rd Annual Foundation Celebrity Black Tie Dinner and Celebrity Bowling Bash with sponsorship from Cuttita LLP, Heineken, Merrill Lynch, Moddell's, Muscle Milk, Pamela James Jewelery, Sean John, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Under Armour among others. Attendees included numerous celebrities as well as Coach Rex Ryan and wife,and teammates Jerricho Cotchery, Darrelle Revis, Braylon Edwards, Jay Feely, Vernon Gholston among others.
In 2007 Kerry together with Ideal PR and The Kerry RHODES Foundation created "Catching With Kids" which operates in New York and Alabama neighborhood schools encouraging students through football and general skills how to advance and "catch" all opportunities against all odds.