Jevon Kearse facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jevon Kearse

Kearse in 2022
No. 90, 93
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1976-09-03) September 3, 1976 (age 48) Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High school:	North Fort Myers (North Fort Myers, Florida)
College:	Florida (1995–1998)
NFL Draft:	1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16
Career history
Tennessee Titans (1999) Philadelphia Eagles (2004) Tennessee Titans (2008)
Career highlights and awards
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1999) First-team All-Pro (1999) 3× Pro Bowl (1999–2001) NFL forced fumbles co-leader (1999) PFWA All-Rookie Team (1999) National champion (1996) First-team All-American (1998) SEC Defensive Player of the Year (1998) 2× First-team All-SEC (1997, 1998) Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame NFL record Most sacks in a season by a rookie: 14.5 (1999)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 313 Sacks: 74.0 Forced fumbles: 26 Fumble recoveries: 4 Interceptions: 1 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Jevon Kearse (born September 3, 1976) is a former professional football player. He was known as "the Freak" because of his amazing speed and strength. Jevon played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons.

Before joining the NFL, Kearse played college football for the Florida Gators. He was recognized as an All-American and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1998.

The Tennessee Titans picked Jevon Kearse in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles for four seasons. During his first five years with the Titans, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times. He also won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1999. His incredible speed and long arms made him a standout player.

Early Life and High School Football

Jevon Kearse was born in Fort Myers, Florida, on September 3, 1976. He went to North Fort Myers High School. There, he played high school football for the North Fort Myers Red Knights. Even in high school, Jevon was very tall and quick. He could gain muscle without losing his speed.

He played as a strong safety and tight end. In his first high school season, he scored four touchdowns by returning kicks. After his senior year in 1994, USA Today named him a prep All-American. Jevon was also a good student, with a 3.6 grade point average. He was a member of the National Honor Society.

College Football Career

Jevon Kearse received a scholarship to play for the University of Florida in Gainesville. He played for coach Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators football team from 1995 to 1998. When he started college, he was 6 feet, 4 inches tall.

He began his college career as a safety. In 1996, he moved to outside linebacker. Later, he sometimes played as a defensive end. This helped the Gators put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Kearse did not play in 1995, but he watched the Gators reach the national championship game. The team won the national title in 1996. They beat the Florida State Seminoles 52–20 in the 1997 Sugar Bowl. Jevon was named to the All-SEC Freshman team for his great play.

In 1997, Kearse made the All-SEC team for the first time. He led his team with 6.5 sacks during the regular season. He also had 38 tackles and forced two fumbles. In 1998, he again led the team with 7.5 sacks. He also had 54 tackles. He was named All-SEC again and won the AP SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. He was also a finalist for several top college defensive player awards.

Jevon decided to leave college early to play in the NFL. He felt he had achieved his goals at the University of Florida. During his college career, Kearse made 34.5 tackles that resulted in a loss for the other team. He also had 145 total tackles and 16.5 quarterback sacks.

Professional Football Career

Joining the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans chose Jevon Kearse as the 16th pick in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He signed a five-year contract. He was the first player ever drafted by the Tennessee Titans, as the team had recently moved from Houston.

In his first NFL game, Kearse helped the Titans win 36–35 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in his first month. He continued to impress throughout the season.

Kearse had an amazing rookie year. He set a rookie record with 14.5 sacks, which was the most in the AFC. He also forced eight fumbles, leading the entire NFL. He had 57 tackles and blocked nine passes. He helped the Titans reach Super Bowl XXXIV, where they played against the Kurt Warner-led St. Louis Rams. The Titans lost a close game.

In his second season (2000), Kearse had 11.5 sacks. He also had 53 tackles and forced four fumbles. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl again. In 2001, he moved to right defensive end and recorded 10 sacks. He was voted to his third straight Pro Bowl. In 2002, Jevon had a foot injury that limited him to only four games. In 2003, he had 9.5 sacks before an ankle injury.

Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles

After his contract with the Titans ended, Kearse joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004. He signed a very large contract for a defensive lineman at the time.

Kearse played well for the Eagles in 2004. Even though his sack numbers were not as high as before, he was still a strong force on defense. The Eagles had a great season, finishing with a 13–3 record. They made it to Super Bowl XXXIX, but lost to the New England Patriots 24–21.

In 2005, Kearse had another solid year with 7.5 sacks. However, the Eagles had a tough season with many players getting injured. In 2006, Kearse suffered a severe knee injury early in the season. Doctors initially thought it was very serious, but it turned out to be less severe than feared.

In 2007, Kearse struggled to regain his top form after the injury. He lost his starting job. Because of his high salary and lower production, the Eagles released him in February 2008.

Returning to the Tennessee Titans

On March 6, 2008, Jevon Kearse returned to the Tennessee Titans. He signed a two-year contract. In 2008, he started all 16 games and had 3.5 sacks. In 2009, he was benched for another player. He played his last NFL game in 2009.

NFL Statistics

Family

Jevon Kearse's nephew, Jayron Kearse, also plays football in the NFL.