Former NFL All Pro visits Ram practice

Former NFL All-Pro offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy attended Ram football practice Saturday morning.

Kennedy, who played college football for the University of Washington, was a key member of the 12-0 national champion team in 1992. He was a two-time Morris trophy winner (best offensive and defensive lineman in PAC 10) and a first team All-American.

He was the ninth overall pick in the 1993 NFL draft, taken by the Atlanta Falcons. After three seasons in Atlanta Kennedy was traded to the Oakland Raiders where he started at right tackle for the next seven seasons. He was named to three Pro Bowls and anchored the offensive line in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Before hitting drills began Saturday morning, all the Ram players took a knee around Head Coach Tyler Brandt, who gave them a brief overview on Kennedy’s accomplishments and introduced him to the players.

With fifty players kneeling in front of him, Kennedy stressed the topic of individual accountability. He told the players they have to be accountable on and off the field. He talked about not letting your teammates down in heat of the battle. He emphasized that “it’s about the team,” and that he considered football to be the greatest team sport.

Accountability is a key component Coach Brandt has been trying to instill in the players since his arrival last August.

Kennedy also conversed with the coaching staff and gave the players advice during the first day of contact drills. He said he looks forward to coming back a few times during the season. Assistant Coach Bill Clemans stated, “I don’t think the players realize how amazing it was to have an NFL All-Pro here.”

The two hours Kennedy gave the team Saturday was helpful and memorable, thanks to the efforts of Assistant Coach David Kennedy who arranged Kennedy’s visit.

Photos by Eddie Garcia