Jevon Kearse, a native of Ft. Myers, Fla., exploded on the scene in 1999 as the first-ever draft pick of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Kearse was the 16th overall player selected in the 1999 NFL Draft and went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, setting records along the way.
Kearse redshirted the 1995 season, but went on to play collegiately at the University of Florida from 1996-1998 under Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer Steve Spurrier. Kearse began his college career at safety before moving to outside linebacker.
Earning the nickname “The Freak,” Kearse was named First-Team All SEC in 1997 and 1998, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1998.
Kearse’s record-setting rookie season in the NFL culminated with First-Team All Pro Honors, a Pro Bowl selection, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, an AFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV. Kearse still holds the NFL rookie record for sacks in a season with 14.5 sacks.
After five seasons with the Titans, Kearse signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing in Philly from 2004-2007. His arrival helped solidify the Eagles’ defense in his first season there, and the team advanced to Super Bowl XXXIX.
Jevon Kearse was re-signed by the Titans on March 6, 2008, re-uniting the three-time Pro Bowler with the club that drafted him in 1999. In his first season back in Tennessee, Kearse was the only defensive lineman to start all 16 games, collecting 3.5 sacks and 19 quarterback pressures, which ranked him third in the club.
Throughout his career Kearse was a pass-rushing phenom, leading his team in sacks in six of his first seven NFL seasons. His career statistics include 313 tackles, 74 sacks, one interception and 26 forced fumbles in 133 games played.