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Kelly Jennings
Kelly Jennings
Kelly Jennings
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Kelly Jarrod Jennings[1] (born November 30, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Jennings graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida. During his Senior Year he placed 4th at the 2A State Track Meet in the 100 meters, with a time of 10.76 seconds, Former NFL Player Yamon Figurs was 2nd, with a time of 10.56 seconds.

College career

[edit]

Jennings played college football at the University of Miami, where he graduated with a degree in finance and a 3.0 grade point average. He currently is in the process of acquiring a second degree in business management.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+7⁄8 in
(1.80 m) 		178 lb
(81 kg) 		31 in
(0.79 m) 		8+3⁄4 in
(0.22 m)		 4.43 s 1.52 s 2.60 s 3.96 s 6.88 s 40.0 in
(1.02 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 12 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[2][3]

Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

Jennings was drafted by the Seahawks out of the University of Miami with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft.[4] Kelly has played for the Seahawks on special teams and defense.

Jennings' selection in the 2006 first round kept alive an ongoing record by the University of Miami, which has had players selected as first-round draft picks in each of the past 12 NFL drafts and the following 2 drafts after Jennings selection. No other college or university has ever matched this record.

In his rookie season, Jennings served as a nickelback and special teamer primarily until Marcus Trufant, Kelly Herndon, and Jimmy Williams all sustained injuries in week 16 and 17 of the 2006 NFL season. He ended up playing in 16 games, starting in 2, recording 40 tackles, 1 interception, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and giving up 2 touchdowns. In the postseason, with Seattle's secondary seriously hurting and forced to start safety Jordan Babineaux at #2 CB and previously out of the NFL Pete Hunter at nickel, Jennings was forced into the #1 role for the Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys and was primarily used to cover Terry Glenn due to their similar body build and playing styles. Glenn was held to 4 receptions for 41 yards, while Jennings recorded 1 tackle and a game-saving forced fumble on Glenn that would lead to a Seattle safety which would later prove vital in a 21-20 Seahawks victory. In the Divisional Playoff game against the Chicago Bears, Jennings recorded 6 tackles but was beat deep on a 68-yard touchdown pass from Rex Grossman to Bernard Berrian. The Bears ended up winning in overtime 27–24. Kelly Jennings had a great 2007 season as he finished with 55 tackles and 12 pass deflections. Coming into the 2008 season, Kelly had high expectations, but was moved to the nickelback and performed well once again at a position he has proven to be more than capable at. He finished the 2008 season with 42 tackles and 12 pass deflections.

In 2009, he compiled 30 tackles and 5 passes defended.

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

On August 29, 2011, he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.

NFL statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF FR FR YDS INT IR YDS AVG IR LNG TD PD
2006 SEA 16 41 38 3 0.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 6
2007 SEA 16 55 49 6 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 12
2008 SEA 16 42 36 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12
2009 SEA 16 30 27 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
2010 SEA 14 40 35 5 0.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 13
2011 CIN 13 33 26 7 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Career 91 241 211 30 1.0 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 53

[5]

Personal

[edit]

Kelly is the uncle of CFL cornerback Bruce Johnson.[6] Kelly is married to his wife Fritzie Jennings and has six children. He now lives in Durham, North Carolina

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kelly Jennings

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kelly Jarrod Jennings (born November 30, 1982) is an American former professional football who played six seasons in the (). Jennings attended the , where he played for the from 2002 to 2004, starting all 24 games at across his freshman and junior seasons and earning recognition for his defensive contributions, including 83 total tackles, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions during his career. Selected by the with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the , he spent the bulk of his professional tenure with the Seahawks from 2006 to 2010, appearing in 78 games with 44 starts while primarily serving as the team's left . In August 2011, Jennings was traded to the in exchange for Clinton McDonald, where he played his final season in 13 games before retiring from the league. Over his NFL career, he recorded 241 combined tackles, two interceptions, 53 passes defended, one sack, and two fumble recoveries, with a career highlight in 2007 when he tallied 55 tackles and 12 pass deflections. Following his playing days, Jennings pursued a in marriage and and counseling and transitioned into financial planning, earning certification as a (CFP®) to serve professional athletes and young professionals.

Early life

High school career

Kelly Jennings graduated from Suwannee High School in , in 2001. At Suwannee, Jennings emerged as a standout for the Bulldogs football team under head coach Jay Rawls. On offense, he played and posted 43 receptions for 720 yards and five touchdowns during his senior season in 2000. Defensively, as a , he recorded 41 tackles and one that year. Jennings' contributions helped the Bulldogs achieve a 9-4 record and secure a berth in the Class 3A state playoffs, advancing to the third round. In track and field, Jennings competed for Suwannee and placed fourth in the boys' 100-meter dash at the 2001 FHSAA Class 2A State Meet, finishing the finals in 11.19 seconds amid a legal wind of -2.1 m/s. A highly regarded prospect, Jennings was ranked as the No. 4 cornerback on the Florida Times-Union Super 75 list and drew interest from major college programs before committing to the University of Miami.

Family background

Kelly Jennings was born on November 30, 1982, in . Jennings grew up in , a small rural town in , where the close-knit community environment contributed to his early exposure to sports. He was the youngest of four children born to parents and Ruby Jennings, with two older brothers and one older sister. His parents were 42 years old at the time of his birth, while his siblings were teenagers aged 19, 17, and 16, respectively, creating a significant age gap within the family. Jennings' early influences stemmed from his parents' guidance amid family challenges. His mother, , sparked his interest in football by enrolling him in a local league after he expressed enthusiasm while watching games. His father, Roy, emphasized hard work and perseverance, frequently taking overtime shifts to provide for the family following Ruby's job loss. These experiences in laid the foundation for Jennings' development, leading naturally to organized sports in high school.

College career

Football at Miami

Kelly Jennings redshirted during the 2001 season at the , serving on the scout team while the Hurricanes won the BCS . He transitioned to active play from 2002 to 2005, appearing in 48 games and establishing himself as a key in Miami's secondary. As a redshirt in 2002, Jennings started all 12 games at left , recording 1 among his 25 tackles. In 2003, he started 5 of 13 games primarily as the back, with no interceptions but contributing 18 tackles and 6 pass breakups. Jennings returned to a starting role at left for all 12 games in 2004, notching 2 interceptions for 1 yard, 40 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. His senior year in 2005 marked a breakout, starting all 12 games and recording 32 combined tackles, 3 interceptions for 36 yards, 4 forced fumbles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Jennings earned significant accolades in 2005, including Second-team All-American honors from the and First-team All-ACC selection. He led the ACC in forced fumbles with 4 that season and ranked 10th nationally in the category. As a defensive fixture in Miami's tradition-rich program, Jennings honed his skills as a shutdown corner, positioning himself for the NFL Draft.

Academic achievements

During his time at the , Kelly Jennings earned a degree in finance, graduating in December 2004. He also completed a second degree in business management, maintaining a 3.0 grade-point across both programs by 2005. These accomplishments occurred within the university's rigorous School of , where Jennings pursued a double major focused on financial principles and management strategies. Jennings received notable academic recognition for his performance as a student-athlete, including being named a semi-finalist for the 2005 Draddy Trophy, often called the "Academic Heisman," which honors collegiate football players for excellence in both academics and athletics. This award required a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, along with demonstrated leadership and community involvement, highlighting his ability to excel in a demanding . Throughout his undergraduate years, Jennings balanced the intense demands of Division I football with his studies, ensuring consistent academic eligibility in a program known for its challenging coursework. Described as a dedicated , he initially planned to pursue business management as a second degree to complement his background, a goal he achieved while preparing for his professional career. This academic foundation later supported his transition into professional sports by providing analytical skills applicable to game preparation and decision-making.

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks

Kelly Jennings was selected by the with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the out of the . As a highly touted prospect known for his speed and coverage skills, he was expected to bolster the team's secondary alongside veteran . In his season of 2006, Jennings appeared in all 16 regular-season games, starting two, while recording 43 combined tackles and one . He also contributed in the , helping the Seahawks advance to the NFC Divisional Round with appearances in two postseason games. Despite a slow start in terms of starts due to competition from established players like Kelly Herndon, Jennings showed promise in pass defense, notching six passes defended. From 2007 to 2009, Jennings emerged as a key rotational player and occasional starter in the Seahawks' secondary, starting 28 of the 48 games he played during those years. His role expanded significantly in 2010 after the trade of Josh Wilson, positioning him as the primary opposite Trufant; he started all 14 games that season, including two playoff contests during the Seahawks' improbable 7-9 division-winning campaign. A notable highlight came in the 2010 season opener against the , where Jennings made a crucial open-field tackle on , limiting him to a one-yard gain and forcing a attempt that helped secure a defensive stand. Over his five seasons with from 2006 to 2010, Jennings appeared in 78 games, starting 44, and amassed 210 combined tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and 48 passes defended. He played a supporting role in three playoff runs, appearing in five postseason games with 22 combined tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. Jennings was traded to the on August 29, 2011, ending his tenure with the Seahawks.

Cincinnati Bengals

On August 29, 2011, the acquired Kelly Jennings from the in exchange for Clinton McDonald. The trade addressed depth needs in the Bengals' secondary following preseason injuries, positioning Jennings as a veteran option behind starters and Nate Clements. In the 2011 season, Jennings appeared in 13 games with 1 start for the Bengals, contributing 33 total tackles (26 solo), 1 sack, and 5 passes defended. He primarily served as a rotational depth player in the secondary and on special teams, stepping up amid season-ending injuries to Hall (Achilles tendon) and a hamstring issue for Clements that sidelined him late in the year. Jennings' one-year contract expired after the season, making him an unrestricted in 2012. He did not sign with another team and retired following six professional seasons.

Career statistics

Over his six-season career with the (2006–2010) and (2011), Kelly Jennings appeared in 91 regular-season games, starting 45, and recorded 243 total tackles (211 solo, 32 assists), 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 53 passes defended, 1 forced , and 2 recoveries. His approximate value (AV) was 19, with no or selections. The following table summarizes his defensive statistics by season and team:
SeasonTeamGPGSTackles (Comb/Solo/Ast)SacksIntPDFFFRAV
200616243/38/50.016102
2007161555/49/60.0012026
200816642/36/60.0012002
200916730/27/30.005003
2010141440/35/50.0113005
2011CIN13133/26/71.005001
Career Totals9145243/211/321.02531219

Post-NFL career

Further education

After retiring from the following the 2011 season, Kelly Jennings pursued advanced to transition into counseling, enrolling in the in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling (MFTC) program at in , around 2012. He later completed the degree, driven by a desire to help people in meaningful ways beyond athletics. This pursuit built on his undergraduate background in while addressing his passion for interpersonal support and personal growth. Jennings later obtained an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from the , enhancing his foundational business knowledge for professional application. He also earned the (CFP®) designation, formalizing his expertise in financial advisory services. These certifications supported his shift toward a career in finance, where his educational background in therapy and planning intersected to inform client-centered strategies.

Financial planning

Following his from professional football, Kelly Jennings transitioned into financial advising, joining Branning Wealth Management in , in August 2014 as a financial advisor. In this role, he specializes in comprehensive financial planning tailored for professional athletes and young professionals, offering customized solutions for services, strategies, and . His work emphasizes liability-driven approaches and fee-only advising to help clients navigate high-income scenarios and long-term financial security. Jennings holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and is a Certified Digital Asset Advisor (CDAA™), enabling him to provide expertise in and as part of broader portfolio diversification for clients. He focuses on non-traditional for athletes, addressing the unique challenges of short career spans and post-sports transitions, such as building sustainable income streams beyond sports-related pensions. Additionally, Jennings advises on career changes after athletics, highlighting the role of financial advisors in assessing liquidity needs, tax implications, and skill-transferable opportunities during such shifts. Jennings maintains an active public presence to educate on these topics, sharing financial advice via Twitter under the handle @BWMProAthletes, where he discusses strategies for athletes' financial futures without providing personalized endorsements. He has authored articles on his firm's blog and LinkedIn, covering athlete retirement benefits, next-career navigation, and the integration of financial planning in professional transitions—for instance, outlining how advisors can support income stability during career pivots. This educational outreach draws from his background, including a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, which complemented his undergraduate finance education in fostering holistic client advising.

Personal life

Family

Kelly Jennings is married to Fritzie Jennings. The couple has six children (as of 2023), whom they homeschool together. Jennings plays an active role as a and , emphasizing spiritual nurturing and family involvement. Jennings is the uncle of Bruce Johnson, a who played in the Canadian Football League.

Residence and interests

Kelly Jennings resides in the Chapel Hill area of with his wife and six children (as of 2023). He relocated there following his graduate studies in . His personal interests include active involvement in his children and fostering their spiritual development, influenced by his in marriage and family therapy from . Jennings also engages in by providing financial guidance to athletes and young professionals, drawing on his background to promote and long-term planning. This reflects a broader commitment to faith-based principles of service and family support in his post-NFL life.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JennKe20.htm
  2. https://miamihurricanes.com/roster/kelly-jennings/
  3. https://www.nfl.com/players/kelly-jennings/
  4. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/9617/kelly-jennings
  5. https://rts.edu/resources/a-calling-for-all-christians/
  6. https://x.com/BWMProAthletes
  7. https://valdostadailytimes.com/2018/10/04/kelly-jennings-ron-hall-inducted-into-shs-hall-of-fame/
  8. https://fl.milesplit.com/meets/450-fhsaa-1a-2a-outdoor-state-finals-2001/results/1315/raw
  9. http://www.procanes.com/files/category-kelly-jennings.html
  10. https://themiamihurricane.com/2003/09/12/jennings-a-key-piece-of-the-defensive-puzzle/
  11. https://media.thenewstribune.com/images/blogmedia/JENNINGS%2CKelly.pdf
  12. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kelly-jennings-1.html
  13. https://www.dailypress.com/2005/12/14/associated-press-all-american-team/
  14. https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article10353440.html
  15. https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2005/10/11/205539632-2/
  16. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2007/dec/07/happy-to-be-schooled/
  17. https://footballfoundation.org/news/2005/10/4/_52083.aspx
  18. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kelly-jennings/32004a45-4e55-3305-e8df-7fc7d99fbc21
  19. https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/seahawks-jennings-corners-big-plays/
  20. https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-send-cb-jennings-to-bengals-for-dt-mcdonald-09000d5d821cfa76
  21. https://www.espn.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/31092/bengals-trade-for-cb-kelly-jennings
  22. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2012/1/26/2736398/grading-the-2011-bengals-cornerbacks
  23. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nfl/2011/12/03/clements-hamstring-injury-puts-bengals/23924071007/
  24. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/3099/kelly-jennings
  25. https://branwealth.com/about/our-team/
  26. https://www.certifieddigital.org/advisors/kelly-jennings-c
  27. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-jennings-cfp%25C2%25AE-2b123114
  28. https://branwealth.com/
  29. https://www.feeonlynetwork.com/financial-advisor/kelly-jennings/
  30. https://branwealth.com/how-your-financial-advisor-can-help-you-navigate-a-career-change/
  31. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kelly-jennings-cfp%25C2%25AE-2b123114_careerchange-activity-7333855000126775296-5gDJ
  32. https://prowealthinvest.com/about-us/our-team
  33. https://hurricanesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8101
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