The leap day linebacker who rose from a fractured family to NFL stardom
In short: Born on February 29, Eric Kendricks is the only active NFL player to celebrate a birthday on leap day. His journey from a single-parent household in Fresno to becoming the nation's top collegiate linebacker is a testament to resilience and elite athletic versatility.
Kendricks' ascent began at Herbert Hoover High School in Fresno, California, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. He earned first-team All-league defensive honours in 2008, and by 2010, his school's male Tri-Athlete of the Year award was his. His versatility was remarkable; during his high school career, he earned letters in football, basketball, and baseball, serving as a team captain in multiple sports.
His collegiate career at UCLA was defined by record-breaking defensive dominance. In 2014, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top collegiate linebacker, becoming the first Bruin to receive the honor. During his final collegiate year, he topped the Football Bowl Subdivision with 101 solo tackles and established a UCLA record of 481 total tackles, exceeding Jerry Robinson's 468.
In the NFL, Kendricks has been a consistent defensive force. Following his second-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings during the 2015 draft, he secured the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month title for October 2015. His professional journey includes stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Chargers, demonstrating his durability in a high-impact role.
Beyond the field, Kendricks' personal history is one of overcoming adversity. He was raised by his single mother, Yvonne Thagon, after his father, Marvin Kendricks—a former UCLA running back—struggled with crack cocaine addiction. By the time Eric reached high school, Marvin had cleaned himself up and re-entered his children's lives.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eric Kendricks
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