From track star to NFL wide receiver and civil rights activist
In short: Kenny Stills didn't just break records on the field; he used his platform to challenge the status quo. A multi-sport standout whose career spanned three NFL teams, Stills became a visible face of protest, balancing elite athleticism with a commitment to social justice.
Born in 1992, Kenny Stills established himself as a versatile athlete early on. While attending La Costa Canyon High School, he excelled in track, basketball, and football. His football prowess was notable, setting a San Diego area career-record with 3,041 receiving yards. Simultaneously, he excelled as a sprinter, earning third-place finishes in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes at the 2009 Avocado League Finals. During his sophomore year of high school, he secured 30 catches for 627 yards. He also earned first-team honors as a wide receiver in 2009. His sprinting speed was evident in his 10.84 second 100-meter dash time.
Stills transitioned to the collegiate level at the University of Oklahoma, where he became a starter as a true freshman in 2010. Over three years, he recorded 204 receptions for 2,594 yards. The New Orleans Saints chose him during the 2013 NFL draft's fifth round. His professional journey saw him move through the Saints, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills, notably signing a $32 million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2017. He was the 144th overall pick in the 2013 draft. In 2014, he achieved a personal best of 931 receiving yards. He later played for the Buffalo Bills' practice squad in 2021.
Beyond the yardage, Stills' career is defined by his activism. In 2016, he joined teammates in kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. His dedication to the movement reached past the arena; during July 2020, he joined 87 individuals detained outside Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's residence, where he demanded the apprehension of those who killed Breonna Taylor. This intersection of elite sport and civic engagement marks a significant chapter in modern football history. He was charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct during his arrest. His father and uncle also played professional football in the NFL. He was part of a group calling for justice for Breonna Taylor.
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