About Me
Early Life & Pre-NFL
Born August 2, 1982 to Jubrella and Jerome Rhodes in the town of Bessemer, Alabama, Kerry’s obsession with football surfaced when he began playing the game at age nine. His fortitude to always achieve goals propelled him to the frontlines of all of his endeavors. An honor student and graduate of Jess Lanier High School where he played quarterback, Kerry commenced his college education at the University of Louisville where he majored in communications and played quarterback before playing defensive back during his sophomore year. His amazing college record landed him in the 2005 NFL draft hot seat.
The NFL
He was snatched by the New York Jets, who welcomed him a starting position as their Safety after his amazing pre-season performance. In 2005, as a star rookie, Kerry secured the Jets 108 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception. He was the recipient of the Pro Football Weekly All Rookie Team award and consistently exceeded the expectations of his teammates and coaches on the football field. Jets’ head coach Herman Edwards was noted for stating “He’s a very, very instinctive guy… He has the ability to make plays on the football field.” CBS Sports has distinguished, “Kerry knows how to lead the way in a big game.” Moreover, New York Times’ Karen Crouse was probably best at analogizing his talent saying “Kerry Rhodes… has long arms that uncoil like skeins of yarn, good range and a photographer’s eyes.”
In 2006, Kerry displayed his growth and talent by ending a remarkable and wild card playoff season with a record 75 tackles, 23 assists, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including being named Defensive Player of the week during week 3 in 2006. In 2006 he was bestowed the Jets Pack Sparkplug award which is the highest honor from the oldest tailgate fan club. Rhodes’ icing on the cake season ended with him being named by the Associated Press to their 2006 All-Pro team and selected by ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli for his 2006 All-Pro Team.
In 2007, Inside the NFL’s Peter King ranked the New York Jet Safety 29th in his ranking of the best players in the NFL from No. 1 to 500. Rhodes had a stat-wise Pro Bowl season in 2006 and 2007 and despite the Pro Bowl eluding him, he has undoubtedly established himself as one of the league’s top young defensive players. In April of 2008, Kerry was rewarded for his solid play establishment of himself as an all-star athlete when the NY Jets offered a five-year contract extension worth a whopping $33.5 million that includes a $20 million guarantee making Rhodes one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties.
Off the Field
Kerry is unlike what individuals may label a typical athlete. He enjoys movie watching, video game playing, pool, basketball and volunteering his time to charitable causes. 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 NFL’s hottest player.
Foundation
After making his mark on the field as a successful rookie, Kerry shifted his focus towards making a positive impact on society. His love for the youth and his conviction in equipping institutions and students with the tools to achieve goals led to the establishment of the RHODES Foundation. The RHODES Foundation is a charitable educational organization focused on Reaffirming Hopes Of Dream Endearing Scholars who dare to dream ambitious, hopeful and successful futures. Launched on July 19, 2006, the organization serves as a financial source to fund decaying high schools throughout the country as well as providing scholarships to college bound students who are products of the institutions supported by the RHODES Foundation. His motto, “If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it” continues to drive this athlete, model, philanthropist and community activist towards embracing and conquering challenges in the present as well as those awaiting him on the RHODES ahead.
