Sports stats



ArenaFootball.com Features Command Executive Eddie Kennison

April 10, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


After 179 career games with the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, the glaring stadium lights went out for Eddie Kennison. There were no more wide receiver drills, early morning film sessions or strapping on the shoulder pads.

Kennison, though, was content.

He stacked up 548 receptions, 8,345 yards and 42 touchdowns during his 13-year NFL career. He officially hung it up on Monday, July 19, 2010 after signing a one-day contract with Kansas City so he could retire with the franchise that he gave so much to and that gave so much back.

"I am honored and humbled to officially conclude my NFL playing career as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs," Kennison said in a statement. "Kansas City has a special place in our hearts, and has truly become our home. I feel very blessed to have been extended the opportunity to retire as a member of the Chiefs."

He turned in his cleats to become a full-time husband and father of two young boys. He watched them go to school and compete in athletics, like their father. Kennison and his wife, Shimika, started a couple of businesses in Kansas City. He never thought much about his future.

Nearly two years passed; then, the lights suddenly shot back on for Kennison.

It was an emotional night in Chicago when Kansas City fell to 0-4. As he hugged his quarterback, Matt Gutierrez, in the tunnel leading to the locker room he said a few words.

"Keep your head up," Kennison whispered. "Let's go to work tomorrow and make this better."

Kennison was adjusting, this time not as a player but as the Director of Operations with the Kansas City Command of the Arena Football League.

It was his second week with the struggling franchise after receiving a call from the organization's owners asking for a meeting. The winless team turned to the Kansas City native and former first round pick for help.

"They wanted to implement whatever I could offer to the organization," Kennison said. "We had an hour and a half meeting about their ideas and how they wanted to position me within the organization."

Kennison was intrigued. He became eager to get back into the sport he loved, and it seemed to be a trend with former NFLers joining the Arena Football League.

Derrick Brooks, Lynn Swann, Ron Jaworski, Jeff Gooch and Donnie Abraham were just some of the names.

"It's an equal medium. Being involved with the AFL gives us an opportunity to be back in the locker room. It gives us an opportunity to share our experience, love and passion for the game. It gets us back to the arena, enjoying the game of football. That's what it's all about," Kennison said.

Kennison's role with the organization is broad.

"I am putting myself in the position to see a lot of different things about how the organization is actually ran," Kennison said. "I'm seeing the different activities going on outside the organization. I'm looking at those other aspects of the game, whether it's helping with tickets, appearances, being involved with the players or something else. I'm trying to find my niche on where I best fit and can make a major impact in the organization."

The Command reached a generic agreement with Kennison, allowing him to be involved in all aspects of team operations, including marketing and broadcasting. According to Command President, Pete Likens, Sr., the team is looking to the future as far as Kennison's involvement.

"We don't know what the future holds yet," Kennison said. "That's what this learning curb for me is all about. This is only my second game being involved in the organization and in the AFL. It's going to be interesting. I'm excited about it; I'm excited about the future. Maybe if it comes to the point of making player decisions or being an owner, who knows? We'll see what happens. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be good."

Now, though, Kennison is adjusting to the complex game of Arena Football.

"I'm learning more when I'm around it. I've been to a couple of practices last week. I'm hearing the language, getting adjusted to the rules and am learning the strategy of the game. Slowly but surely, I will learn it and know everything about it."

This week, Kennison is set to attend a number of ticketing and marketing meetings, as well as team practices.

"Everything is falling into place," Kennison said. "Kansas City is home for my family and I. We have so many ties here that just fit and works well for our family."

The Command have a bye this week, giving Kennison more time to adjust and familiarize himself with the organization. On Saturday, April 21, the Command will face the San Jose SaberCats at the HP Pavilion at 10:30 pm ET.

Note: This article first appeared on the web Tuesday, April 10 at http://www.arenafootball.com/news/all-lights.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...

Arena Football League Stories from April 10, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Kansas City Command Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central