The End Zone

When I sat down with Keegan and Jeff Kemp the other day for the feature story on Keegan’s quarterback role with Eastlake, I asked Jeff — an 11-year NFL veteran — a few questions about his time in the league and what he thinks of today’s game.

Jeff Kemp played for four different teams in his time, including the L.A. Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles. He completed 52.3 percent of his passes for 6,230 yards, 39 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.

Q: How would you describe your quarterbacking style?
A: I was kind of a tough, scrapping quarterback with a strong arm.

Q: If you could compare yourself to any quarterback playing today’s game, who would it be?
A: Drew Brees – The similarities end in that we’re both 6-feet. After that I’d say he’s pretty much head and shoulders above me.

Q: How did you get into the NFL as an undrafted free agent?
A: I had a really dominate belief that I was going to play pro football. From an optimistic standpoint, I just thought it was possible. It might have been attributed to the fact that my dad played. When I was a little boy and thought what do I want to do – I thought, I want to play football, that’s what my dad did.

Q: How big of an influence was your dad (Jack Kemp, former AFL player and US Congressman)?
A: My dad was a great encouragement to me. I got used to not worrying if I was second string, or if I got overlooked for a while. I knew my chance would always come. I was never pressured.

Q: What was the NFL experience like for you?
A: I look back on football, even with my wife, and realize it was pretty much of a miracle, it was a blessing. I said ‘Thank you Lord, I got to do this.’

Q: What is your most memorable experience in the NFL?
A: My best experience was my year on the 49ers — Mike Holmgren as the quarterback coach and Bill Walsh as the head coach. I’d just been traded, Joe Montana just got hurt, so I ended up playing and learning so much at a high level in a system that demands excellence.

Q: What are your thoughts on today’s NFL?
A: It’s bigger, faster, even more violent with collisions. I played against Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White. It has always been incredibly physical, but it does seem a bit more violent in terms of flying bodies and collisions.