Kenton Keith facts for kids

Kenton Jermaine Keith, born on July 14, 1980, is a former professional football player from the United States. He played as a running back. Kenton Keith joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003. Later, he played for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL) starting in 2007. He also played college football at New Mexico State University.

Keith was also a member of the New York Jets in the NFL. He played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL and the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League (UFL).

Kenton Keith's Early Life and High School Football

Kenton Keith played high school football at Omaha Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a very strong runner. As a junior, he averaged more than 28 yards every time he carried the ball. In his senior year, he still averaged over 18 yards per carry.

Kenton Keith was recognized for his amazing skills. He was inducted into his high school's Hall of Fame. This honor was for breaking the school's rushing record in just two years of playing.

College Football Career at New Mexico State

After high school, Kenton Keith attended New Mexico State University. He continued to play football there. During his four seasons in college, he ran for a total of 2,134 yards.

In his junior year, Kenton Keith was one of the best runners in the country. He led the nation in yards per carry. He averaged an impressive 8.5 yards every time he ran with the ball.

Kenton Keith's Professional Football Journey

Playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders

Kenton Keith began his professional career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2001. This team is part of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Over four seasons in the CFL, he ran for more than 3,800 yards. He gained over 1,000 yards in two of those seasons.

He also caught 52 passes and scored eight touchdowns from receptions in 2003. His best CFL season was in 2004. That year, he gained 1,154 yards in 14 games. In the spring of 2004, he briefly signed with the New York Jets. He then returned to the CFL. In 2006, he was named a West Division All-Star.

Time with the Indianapolis Colts

Kenton Keith signed with the Indianapolis Colts in early 2007. This team plays in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a second-string running back for the Colts in 2007. He was a backup to the main running back, Joseph Addai.

Keith had a memorable game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He ran for over 100 yards in that game. The Colts won the game 33–17. As a backup to Addai, Keith ran for 533 yards and scored four touchdowns during the season.

Joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Kenton Keith was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on September 22, 2008. This was another team in the CFL. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury to his LCL (a knee ligament). Because of this injury, he was later released from the team.

Playing for the Omaha Nighthawks

On June 10, 2011, Kenton Keith signed with the Omaha Nighthawks. This team was part of the United Football League (UFL). The NFL had a lockout that year, which meant players could not play. The Omaha Nighthawks team later stopped playing.

Kenton Keith's Family Connections

Kenton Keith comes from a family of football players. His father, Percy Keith, played college football. Percy played for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1976 to 1980.

Kenton Keith is also related to other famous football players. He is cousins with Roger Craig, who was also an NFL running back. Another cousin is Breece Hall, who is a current NFL running back.