In The Gridiron With Keith Kirkwood

Keith Kirkwood was born, in Neptune City, New Jersey. Keith played his college football at Temple, where he had 103 Receptions for 1,638 Yards and 16 Touchdowns during his career. He then went on to sign with the New Orleans Saints, and racked up 13 Receptions for 209 Yards and 2 Touchdowns. Since then, he has signed with the Carolina Panthers, and is looking to be a big weapon on their offense this upcoming season.

For Highlights:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AtRvdDOJtc

Growing up, were you inspired by any NFL Players?

Growing up, I did not have any intentions on playing in the NFL, so I did not have any particular player I wanted to be like. Being able to understand the defense and knowing where you are on the field will carry you a long way in the NFL.

What parts of your game, do you think transitioned the best from college to the NFL?

I believe my knowledge of the game has increased. I have always been an intelligent player. I did not start playing football until my senior year of high school. Since then, I have grown as a player studying the other side of the ball, which has helped me tremendously on the offensive side.

What was it like realizing you were finally in the NFL?

It is still a surreal feeling being in the NFL. I had dreams of playing in the NBA. Football is such an amazing sport, but what it brings to your life off the field is most enjoyable.

What songs do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?

Before pregame, I tend to listen to some old school 70ś and 80ś R&B to keep me calm, but about 30 minutes out from kickoff I love listening to Meek Mill. My roots of playing in Philadelphia (Temple) always seem to give me that extra edge to give everything I have.

What is your offseason training like?

During the offseason I love to spend time with my family to get my mind off of football a bit. Once training gets started I often find things in my game that I had deficiencies in the previous year and attack them during training finding ways to get better.

What was your first NFL game like?

My first NFL game was against the Cincinnati Bengals. Once again it was such a surreal feeling. Walking out of the tunnel. Embracing every moment of it. To the fans, the atmosphere, and just the overall game itself. On top of that having my first career catch in my first NFL game was just the perfect setting.

What advice would you give to a young football player who hopes to one day be in the NFL?

To the young ones out there chasing their dream of playing in the NFL would be to stay the course. Adversity will be thrown their way but you cannot let it get the best of you. Trust the process, embrace it and put everything you do in Gods hands. It will all pan out the way you envision it.

What do you want to accomplish during your time in the NFL?

I want to have a long lasting career. With hard work and dedication, I plan to play in this league for 10 years or more. It brings out a lot in you, but I love everything about my journey throughout the NFL this far. Hopefully one day my hard work leads me to a Pro Bowl.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?

The NBA will forever be my favorite sport. As a fan my favorite moment was watching Ray Allen clutch a big time 3 pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 to lead them to win a championship in Game 7. And no, I am not a Heat fan, but I am a huge fan of the game!