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Kevin Curtis
Kevin Curtis
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Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans.

Key Information

Early life

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Curtis attended Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah and was a letterman in football and basketball. In football, he was an All-Region honoree as both a wide receiver and as a defensive back.

College career

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Curtis began his collegiate career at NJCAA junior college powerhouse Snow College where he earned second-team All-American honors. He then transferred to Utah State.

Curtis started his Utah State career as a walk-on. As a junior, he led the nation in receptions, earning him third-team All-American honors. He also broke many Utah State single-season records along the way including pass receptions (100), receiving yards (1,531), most 10-reception games (6), most 100-yard receiving games (9), and most consecutive 100-yard receiving games (6). He was also named his team's Offensive MVP. His tremendous play as a junior earned him a scholarship for his senior year where he ranked seventh in the nation in receiving yards per game (114.36), and 12th in the country in receptions per game (6.73). Curtis also led the Aggies with 74 receptions (fifth-best season total in school history) for 1,258 yards (fifth-best in a single season) and scored 60 points to lead the team with an average of 117.4 all-purpose yards a game. In only two years at Utah State he ended his career leading in many statistical categories including career receptions (174), career pass reception yards per game (126.8), career pass receptions per game (7.9), and finished second in career receiving yards (2,789). He was teammates with Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley.

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Curtis ran a hand-timed 40-yard dash of 4.21 but a 4.35 at the NFL Combine; at the Combine, he scored a 48 out of a possible 50 points on the Wonderlic intelligence test. This is tied for the highest verified score among active players (Ryan Fitzpatrick and Benjamin Watson also scored 48). The only two players that scored higher on the Wonderlic Test were Pat McInally with a perfect 50 and Mike Mamula with a 49.[1]

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 Wonderlic
5 ft 11+18 in
(1.81 m)
186 lb
(84 kg)
30+38 in
(0.77 m)
9+38 in
(0.24 m)
4.35 s 1.53 s 2.59 s 3.99 s 6.76 s 36 in
(0.91 m)
10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)
48
All values from the NFL Combine[2][3]

St. Louis Rams

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Curtis was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the third round (74th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft.[4] Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Rams would finish just 8-8 that year, barely making the playoffs.

In the 2004 playoffs, Curtis and the Rams made history. In their wildcard game against the Seahawks, Curtis had four catches for 107 yards. The Rams would win the game, becoming the first playoff team in NFL history to win a game without having a winning record. In their divisional playoff loss at Atlanta the following week, Curtis caught seven passes for 128 yards and a 57-yard touchdown catch where he beat Falcons' cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Curtis became the 2nd player in NFL history to have two back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs before ever recording one in the regular season.

His playoff performance proved to be no fluke, as Curtis had an impressive 2005. On the year, Curtis recorded 60 receptions, 801 yards and six touchdowns, all of which were second on the team. He also had a rushing touchdown in a win against the Saints that year.[5] Curtis would again be the Rams slot receiver in 2006.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Curtis in August 2009.

On March 15, 2007, Curtis signed a 6-year, $32 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $9.5 million in guaranteed money.[6] Curtis spent his whole career behind potential Hall of Famers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. Now, free from their shadow, he set career highs in his first year with the Eagles and finished the year with 1,110 yards, 77 receptions and 6 touchdowns. He was the eleventh receiver in Eagles history to reach over 1,000 receiving yards, and just the second to under Andy Reid.

Curtis had his best game on September 23, 2007, in the first half of a 56-21 Eagles win over the Detroit Lions. His nine catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns tied Lee Evans for the most receiving yards during the first half of a game since 1987, when Steve Largent had 224 yards during a replacement game.[7] Curtis finished the day with 11 catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns.[8] He became the first player in NFL history to recover his own team's fumble for a touchdown in back-to-back games when he fell on Reggie Brown's fumble in the 3rd quarter against the Buffalo Bills on December 30, 2007. He recovered a McNabb fumble for a score a week earlier at the New Orleans Saints on December 23, 2007. With his 77 receptions in 2007, became just the 4th wide receiver in Eagles history to record 75-or-more catches in a single season, joining Irving Fryar (88 in 1996, 86 in 1997), Fred Barnett (78 in 1994), and Terrell Owens (77 in 2004).

In 2008, Curtis only played 9 games in the season due to injury. He had surgery on August 21, 2008, to repair a sports hernia and was inactive for the first six games of the season. He was also inactive at Washington on December 21, 2008, with a calf strain. However, he had highlights against Cleveland, Curtis caught 4 receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. In the season Curtis caught 33 balls for 390 yards, and two touchdowns. His return helped engineer an improbable run to the playoffs for Philadelphia, where the 5-5-1 Eagles would go 9-6-1 (6-3-1 in games Curtis played), and make it to the NFC Championship game. He led the team with 122 receiving yards on four catches in the NFC Championship game at Arizona on January 18, 2009, which tied a franchise postseason record among wide receivers.

In 2009, Curtis played in the Eagles first two games of the season, before requiring arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He missed twelve games because of it, and did not return until week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers. He was released by the Eagles on March 18, 2010.[9] He later attended workouts for the Giants and Lions but was not offered a contract.

During the 2010 offseason, Curtis underwent treatment for testicular cancer. After a successful surgery in September, Curtis announced he would be returning to the NFL.[10]

Miami Dolphins

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Curtis was signed by the Miami Dolphins on December 13, 2010. He managed just one catch for six yards in the two games he played. On December 28, 2010, he was released by the Dolphins.

Kansas City Chiefs

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On January 5, 2011, Curtis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to their playoff game against the Ravens. Curtis played 30 snaps in the Chiefs' playoff loss, catching one pass for three yards.[11]

Tennessee Titans

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On August 26, 2011, he signed with the Tennessee Titans. He signed in time to play in the preseason finale, where he caught two passes for 20 yards.[12] However, Curtis broke his left hand in the game, and was placed on injured reserve before the season officially started.[13]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Tgt Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2003 STL 4 1 5 4 13 3.3 8 0
2004 STL 15 0 50 32 421 13.2 41 2
2005 STL 16 9 97 60 801 13.4 83 6
2006 STL 16 1 57 40 479 12.0 42 4
2007 PHI 16 16 135 77 1,110 14.4 75 6
2008 PHI 9 8 63 33 390 11.8 32 2
2009 PHI 3 1 15 6 77 12.8 19 0
2010 MIA 2 0 2 1 6 6.0 6 0
81 36 424 253 3,297 13.0 83 20

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Receiving
GP GS Tgt Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2004 STL 2 2 17 11 235 21.4 57 1
2008 PHI 3 3 22 12 211 17.6 50 0
2010 MIA 1 0 3 1 3 3.0 3 0
6 5 42 24 449 18.7 57 1

Personal life

[edit]

Curtis is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also known as the Mormon faith; after high school, he served a two-year Mormon mission in London, England.

On September 23, 2010, Curtis received an orchiectomy due to testicular cancer, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.[14]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Devon Curtis (born July 17, 1978) is an American former professional football player who played as a in the (). A native of , Curtis attended Bingham High School before playing at and then , where he emerged as one of the program's most explosive receivers, earning Third-Team All-American honors as a senior in 2002 after leading the Aggies in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Selected by the in the third round (74th overall) of the , Curtis began his professional career with the team, appearing in 51 games over four seasons and recording 136 receptions for 1,714 yards and 13 touchdowns. Traded to the in 2007, he enjoyed his most productive year that season, catching 77 passes for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns while also contributing two fumble return touchdowns on special teams, helping the Eagles reach the . His career totals across eight NFL seasons with the , Eagles, and Dolphins include 253 receptions for 3,297 yards and 23 touchdowns in 81 games. Curtis faced significant health challenges late in his career, receiving a diagnosis of in September 2010 following his release from the Eagles; he underwent surgery to remove the affected testicle and briefly returned to play, signing with the Dolphins that December before retiring at the end of the season. Inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, Curtis is remembered for his speed, versatility, and resilience both on and off the field.

Early years

Upbringing and family

Kevin Curtis was born on July 17, 1978, in . He grew up in , as the middle child among seven siblings in a close-knit family. His father, Stuart Curtis, played a key role in fostering a supportive household environment, actively encouraging his children's interests by delivering game tapes to college coaches and discussing career decisions like serving a religious mission. The family emphasized athletics, with siblings including a younger brother, Chris, who later played football at , and a sister, Carolee, who attended the same institution. This dynamic created an atmosphere where sports were a central part of daily life and family bonding. Curtis's early exposure to athletics came through family activities and the active sports culture of the South Jordan community, where youth participation in organized games was common. During his elementary and middle school years, he developed an initial interest in football and basketball, influenced by these surroundings and his household's emphasis on physical development, though he was noted as a late physical bloomer, weighing just 110 pounds as a high school sophomore.

High school career

Kevin Curtis attended Bingham High School in , participating in both football and programs during his high school years. In football, Curtis earned second-team All-Region honors on defense as a senior while contributing on both sides of the ball. He recorded approximately 10 receptions that season despite a broken hand that limited him to defensive duties for four games. Curtis also lettered in , making the after being cut twice early in his high school career. Despite his multi-sport involvement, Curtis received no scholarship offers for football upon graduating and unsuccessfully tried out as a walk-on at . His father provided crucial support during this period by personally delivering game film to college programs.

Collegiate career

Junior college at Snow College

Kevin Curtis enrolled at Snow College in , in 1996 as a walk-on after graduating from Bingham High School without any major college scholarship offers. During his freshman season, he quickly adapted to the level, recording 30 receptions for 600 yards and 5 touchdowns while contributing to Snow College's high-powered offense in the Western States Football League (WSFL). In his year of , Curtis significantly elevated his performance, hauling in 55 receptions for 1,100 yards and an impressive 19 touchdowns, which helped anchor the team's passing attack and led to a strong finish in the WSFL standings, including a second-place conference position. His standout play earned him first-team All-WSFL honors, NJCAA All-American recognition, team award, and selection as team captain, highlighting his leadership and reliability on the field. Curtis's two seasons at were pivotal in his development, transforming him from an overlooked walk-on into a nationally recognized talent and preparing him for the rigors of Division I football through rigorous training and competitive experience in a program known for producing professional prospects. Although specific academic details from this period are limited, his time there fostered personal discipline.

Utah State University

Kevin Curtis enrolled at Utah State University in 2000 from Snow College, where he had earned second-team All-American honors, joining the Aggies as a walk-on and redshirting his initial season. In his junior year of 2001, Curtis exploded onto the scene, recording 100 receptions for 1,531 yards and 10 touchdowns over 11 games, leading the nation with 9.1 receptions per game and ranking third nationally in receiving yards per game at 139.2. These figures set Utah State single-season school records for receptions and receiving yards by a wide receiver, while also establishing marks for double-digit reception games (6) and 100-yard receiving games (9). His performance earned him Associated Press Third-Team All-American honors and a first-team all-independent selection, contributing to an Aggies offense that ranked 13th nationally in passing yards per game (288.0). As a senior in 2002, Curtis remained the focal point of Utah State's passing attack, leading the team with 74 receptions for 1,258 yards and 9 touchdowns in 11 games, ranking seventh nationally in receiving yards per game (114.4) and 12th in receptions per game (6.7). He again secured first-team all-independent honors and helped anchor an offense that ranked 13th in the nation in total offense. Over his two seasons at Utah State, Curtis amassed 174 receptions for 2,789 yards and 19 touchdowns, setting career school records for 100-yard receiving games (16) and receptions per game (7.9). Curtis's on-field dominance, combined with his athletic testing at the , drew strong interest from NFL scouts. He clocked a 4.42-second and recorded a 36-inch , showcasing the speed, explosiveness, and strength that complemented his proven production as a slot receiver capable of stretching defenses and excelling after the catch.

Professional career

2003 NFL Draft

Kevin Curtis was selected by the in the third round (74th overall) of the . His record-setting senior season at Utah State, where he recorded 74 receptions for 1,258 yards and nine touchdowns, elevated him to mid-round prospect status. During the pre-draft process, Curtis impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 3.99-second 20-yard shuttle, showcasing his athleticism despite his 5-foot-11 frame. In a private workout for NFL scouts, he ran a hand-timed 4.21-second 40-yard dash and completed 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press, further highlighting his speed and strength. Scouts viewed him as a versatile slot receiver with strong hands, quick route-running, and intelligence, though his size limited him to third-round projections rather than earlier selection. Curtis signed a three-year contract with the on July 22, 2003, worth $1.431 million, including a $521,000 signing bonus.

St. Louis Rams (2003–2006)

Kevin Curtis joined the St. Louis Rams as a third-round draft pick in 2003 and spent his first four professional seasons with the team, evolving from a limited contributor to a reliable secondary receiver in a veteran-laden offense. In his year of 2003, Curtis saw minimal action, appearing in just four games with four receptions for 13 yards and no , primarily as a depth player behind established wideouts and . His snaps increased gradually the following season, as he played 15 games in 2004, recording 32 receptions for 421 yards and two while contributing on special teams. That postseason, Curtis emerged prominently during the ' wild-card run, catching 11 passes for 235 yards and one across two games, including four receptions for 107 yards against the in the wild-card victory and seven for 128 yards with a 57-yard score versus the in the divisional round loss. Curtis achieved his breakout in 2005, starting nine games and posting career highs with 60 receptions for 801 yards and six touchdowns, solidifying his role as a key target in an offense that featured running back Marshall Faulk's versatile contributions alongside Holt and Bruce. He maintained productivity in 2006 with 40 receptions for 479 yards and four touchdowns over 16 games, though his starting opportunities diminished to one. Over his Rams tenure, spanning 51 games, Curtis amassed 136 receptions for 1,714 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, often serving as a complementary piece in the Rams' passing attack that emphasized Faulk's dual-threat presence and the deep threats from Holt and Bruce. Curtis's time with the Rams concluded after the 2006 season when he entered unrestricted free agency, seeking a larger role elsewhere.

Philadelphia Eagles (2007–2009)

Curtis signed with the as an unrestricted on March 15, 2007, agreeing to a six-year contract worth up to $32 million, including $9.5 million in guaranteed money. This deal came after four seasons with the , where he had established himself as a reliable receiver, prompting the Eagles to view him as a key addition to their passing attack led by quarterback and complemented by running back . In the 2007 regular season, Curtis achieved career highs, recording 77 receptions for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns over 16 games, all as starts, while leading the team in receiving yards. Curtis's tenure with the Eagles declined in the following years due to injuries. In 2008, a sports sidelined him for the first half of the season, limiting him to nine games with 33 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the injury, Curtis contributed in the playoffs as the Eagles made an improbable run to the after finishing the 9–6–1, catching 12 passes for 211 yards across three games. The 2009 season brought further challenges from a injury that hampered him since , restricting him to three games with six receptions for 77 yards before he underwent in October and was placed on injured reserve.

Miami Dolphins and later teams (2010–2011)

After being released by the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2010, Curtis signed with the on December 13, 2010, to bolster their wide receiver depth amid injuries to other players. He appeared in two regular-season games for Miami, recording one reception for six yards on December 19 against the , while also rushing once for six yards; his second game on December 26 against the yielded no receptions. The Dolphins released Curtis on December 28, 2010, shortly after the season's end. Curtis then joined the on January 5, 2011, as a to provide depth for their playoff roster. He played in the Chiefs' AFC Wild Card playoff game against the on January 9, catching one pass for three yards in a 30–7 loss, marking his final appearance. At age 32 during the 2010 season and 33 in 2011, these limited opportunities reflected Curtis's ongoing challenges with injuries from prior years, including knee issues with the Eagles, as he sought to extend his career. In an effort to revive his professional tenure, Curtis signed with the on August 26, 2011, agreeing to a one-year contract. He participated in the Titans' preseason finale on September 1 against the , catching two passes for 20 yards. However, during that game, Curtis sustained a broken in his left hand, leading to his placement on injured reserve on September 3, 2011, which sidelined him for the entire regular season. The Titans released him following the 2011 season, effectively concluding his nine-year NFL career.

Career statistics

Regular season

Kevin Curtis's regular-season career spanned eight seasons from 2003 to 2010, during which he recorded 253 receptions for 3,297 yards and 20 touchdowns across 81 . His performance showed a clear progression, starting with minimal output as a before peaking in 2007 with the , followed by a sharp decline due to injuries that limited his playing time in later years. Curtis's early years with the featured steady improvement, culminating in a breakout 2005 season with 60 receptions for 801 yards and six touchdowns, establishing him as a reliable slot receiver. He reached his career high in 2007 after signing with the Eagles, amassing 77 receptions for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, highlighting his role in a dynamic passing offense. Post-2007, and injuries hampered his productivity, resulting in just 40 receptions over his final three seasons with the Eagles and a brief stint with the . The following table summarizes Curtis's regular-season receiving statistics by year, including games played (G), receptions (Rec), receiving yards (Yds), yards per reception (Y/R), longest reception (Lng), touchdowns (TD), and fumbles (Fmb).
YearTeamGRecYdsY/RLngTDFmb
2003STL44133.3800
2004STL153242113.24121
2005STL166080113.48362
2006STL164047912.04241
20071677111014.47560
200893339011.83220
2009367712.81900
2010MIA2166.0600
Career-812533,29713.083204

Postseason

Kevin Curtis appeared in six NFL postseason games across three teams, recording 24 receptions for 449 yards and one touchdown. His playoff contributions were most notable during his time with the St. Louis Rams in 2004 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, where he provided key receiving production in multiple rounds, though his role diminished in his final appearance with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010. In the 2004 NFC Wild Card playoff, Curtis helped the Rams secure a 27–20 upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks on January 8, 2005, with four receptions for 107 yards. The Rams advanced to the NFC Divisional round, where Curtis had a breakout performance against the Atlanta Falcons on January 15, 2005, catching seven passes for 128 yards and his sole postseason touchdown on a 57-yard strike from Marc Bulger that pulled St. Louis within 14–7 in the first quarter; however, the Rams fell 47–17. These efforts highlighted Curtis's emerging role as a reliable deep threat in high-stakes games, amassing 11 receptions for 235 yards and the touchdown over the two contests. Curtis's most extensive playoff run came with the Eagles in the 2008 postseason. In the Wild Card victory over the Minnesota Vikings on January 4, 2009 (26–14), he recorded four receptions for 49 yards, contributing to Philadelphia's balanced aerial attack. The Eagles then defeated the New York Giants 23–11 in the Divisional round on January 11, 2009, with Curtis adding four catches for 40 yards, including a 15-yard reception that helped sustain a key drive. In the NFC Championship against the Arizona Cardinals on January 18, 2009, Curtis led the team with four receptions for 122 yards, featuring a pivotal 50-yard grab on a third-and-18 in the third quarter that set up a touchdown and a 47-yard catch that fueled a late comeback attempt, though Philadelphia lost 32–25. Over these three games, Curtis totaled 12 receptions for 211 yards, demonstrating his value in clutch situations despite no touchdowns. Curtis's final postseason outing was limited, as he caught one pass for three yards in the Chiefs' 30–7 wild-card loss to the on January 9, 2011, playing just 30 snaps in a subdued offensive effort. He did not appear in any further playoff games after 2011.
YearTeamRoundOpponentReceptionsYardsTD
2004Wild CardSeahawks41070
2004Divisional71281
2008EaglesWild Card4490
2008EaglesDivisionalGiants4400
2008EaglesCardinals41220
2010ChiefsWild Card130

Personal life

Religious background and mission

Kevin Curtis was raised in South Jordan, Utah, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith prominent in the region. His upbringing in this environment instilled core values of faith, family, and community service that would shape his early adulthood. After playing two seasons at , Curtis served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in London, England, from 1998 to 1999. This commitment required him to postpone further athletic pursuits, including turning down scholarship offers from universities such as , , and , as he prioritized spiritual service over immediate opportunities. His father, Stuart Curtis, later reflected on the decision, stating, "He wanted to keep playing football, but he couldn’t find peace with that." The mission experience profoundly influenced Curtis's personal development, fostering mental resilience and a deeper sense of self that he credited with aiding his later career challenges. In a 2007 interview, he described the period as transformative: "You learn a lot about yourself. I definitely grew in a lot of areas... mentally it was really good for me." This emphasis on continued to guide his perspective on perseverance, as he has publicly noted in interviews how his beliefs provided strength amid professional setbacks.

Health issues

In 2010, while attempting to secure a contract as a following his release from the , Kevin Curtis was diagnosed with after years of monitoring an abnormal growth discovered during a 2007 physical examination with the Minnesota Vikings. He underwent successful on September 23, 2010, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in to remove the cancerous and was declared cancer-free shortly thereafter, with doctors confirming the cancer had been caught early. Opting against , Curtis focused on regular follow-up checkups and expressed optimism about his prognosis, noting that the procedure allowed for a full recovery without further complications. Curtis returned to professional football in December 2010, signing with the just months after , where he appeared in two games, recording one reception for 17 yards, before being released. He briefly joined the for their playoff run. He then signed with the in August 2011 but was released in September after suffering a broken in his left hand during the preseason, without appearing in any games. However, his recovery was hampered by lingering effects from a prior left sustained during the 2008 season with the Eagles, which required arthroscopic in October 2009 and limited him to just three games that year. Throughout his career, Curtis dealt with multiple injuries that impacted his longevity, including a sports hernia repair in August 2008 that caused him to miss the first six games of that season with the Eagles, as well as a suffered in December 2008 during a game against the . These cumulative ailments, combined with the physical toll of his , restricted his playing time in his final years and ultimately led to his after the 2011 preseason at age 33, as he transitioned away from the without further contracts. Following his diagnosis and recovery, Curtis has shared personal reflections on the experience to promote awareness, emphasizing the fear associated with the word "cancer" and the importance of regular self-exams for early detection, which he credits for his positive outcome. He noted that the ordeal prompted deeper reflection on life's priorities, stating it made him "really think about things, what matters most," and highlighted his limited prior knowledge of the disease beyond high-profile survivors like . In post-retirement years, Curtis has coached in , drawing on his health journey to connect with players facing similar challenges.

References

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