July 26, 2004 - Arena Football League (AFL) Philadelphia Soul
I had the privilege of doing an interview with Philadelphia Soul
radio/TV color commentator Darrin Kenney.
Kenney was an OL/DL who started his career during the
1993 season when he played for the Tampa Bay Storm.
He played the next nine years with
three teams: the Albany Firebirds, Arizona Rattlers and
San Jose SaberCats. Kenney retired from the AFL to
pursue a broadcasting job with the Soul.Q. What interested you in doing tv/radio for the Soul? Do you have any regrets not playing another season in San Jose considering they went on to win the ArenaBowl?
A. I've always wanted to be a broadcaster. I love
playing and talking sports, so broadcasting seemed like
the ideal job. When the Soul gave me the opportunity
to broadcast Arena Football in my hometown I jumped at
the chance.
I think I'm always going to miss playing. I knew when I took the job with the Soul San Jose was the best team in the league. It was a hard decision, one I don't regret. I'm happy for my former team, but I'm looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
Q. Do you have any preference doing TV or radio?
A. I like doing both TV and radio. They pose different challenges.
Q. Do you like working with play-by-play announcer Ari Wolfe? How long did it take you two to form a good chemistry?
A. I like working with Ari. He's a fun guy to work with and a constant professional. I've learned a lot from him about this business. He knows and loves the game of Arena Football as do I, so it really did not take us long to build up a chemistry/friendship.
Q. What areas does the Philadelphia Soul need to improve the most during the off-season?
A. I think what the team lacks the most is player leadership.
Q. Were you happy with the fan support the Soul received during its inaugural season?
A. The fan support was excellent. I think it will only get better as the fans start to understand the differences in strategy between Arena Football and the outdoor game. A lot of people have come up to me and said I loved the game but why did they do this or that? That's why this league has lasted: it's different than the NFL.
Q. What team in the East Division will be the Soul's biggest rival?
A. I think Dallas will be the biggest rivalry for the obvious reasons; the cities just don't care for each other.
Q. What AFL coaches have had the biggest influence on you?
A. There are two coaches who have had a huge influence on my Arena Football career: Doug Kay for believing in me and giving me an opportunity when no one else would, and Mike Dailey who taught me how to play offensive line. If it wasn't for his teachings I would not have lasted in the league for more than a year. He also taught me many life lessons. Both Coach Kay and Coach Dailey have had a big influence on me both on and off the field.
Q. What was the most hostile arena you played in as a player?
A. The most hostile arena I've played in was Orlando back in 1993, it was the first game I played in, and the fans rode me hard.
Q. When some players retire they go into coaching? Did you have any interest in doing that?
A. Yes, I have thought about going into coaching, but I'm content for now being a broadcaster.
Q. When you're not broadcasting games for the Soul, what type of work are you doing?
A. I work at my dad and uncle's tavern "Kenney's Madison Tavern," in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
If you have any questions or comments about this interview, feel free to send me an email at arenazone@yahoo.com, and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
Photo: San Jose SaberCats/Aric Crabb
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