Welcome to the freak show where the main attraction is Jevon Kearse. Since he first entered the NFL in 1999, the defensive end for Tennessee Titans has been putting titanic-sized fear into opposing offenses. Jevon has the arm span of an albatross, the strength of a bear and the speed of a cheetah. He's 6'4, 265 pounds and he can run the 40 yard dash in an amazing 4.43 seconds. This combination of animal qualities is what makes him one of the top defenders in the NFL and it's why he's nicknamed, the Freak.
Jevon's rise to "freak status" began in Fort Myers, Florida. He grew up in a poor, and sometimes violent, neighborhood. His father was shot to death eight months before Jevon was born. Jevon never knew his grandfather either - he was killed when Jevon was just 18 months old. His uncle and one of his cousins were both shot before Jevon had his fourth birthday.
That's pretty heavy stuff - but the violence around his family didn't stop Jevon from working hard at school and on the
Jevon was picked by the Titans in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft. His size and quickness instantly made him a terror to NFL quarterbacks. In his first season, he led the AFC in sacks, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and helped the Titans reach the 2000 Super Bowl. In his first two seasons, he has thrown more quarterbacks to the ground than any other player except his teammate, Kevin Carter. The Freak is now considered the best defensive end in the NFL and for any quarterback, there is nothing more freaky than knowing Jevon Kearse is lining up against you.
Kearse Words
"You control your own destiny. You can do what you set your mind to doing. I knew growing up with a single mom, I didn't want her to leave work to get me out of trouble. Peer pressure is always pulling and tugging on you. You have to take it on yourself to know right from wrong."
- Jevon Kearse
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