[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
One year after his last interview with the New Orleans Advocate, NSFL Running Back Eric Kennedy returns to New Orleans for another interview in the wake of the Wraiths’ emotional Season 3.
ADVOCATE: It’s good to have you back with us. I’m sure you’re glad to be home for the offseason.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. It’s always good to return home. And thank you for having me.
ADVOCATE: Things have taken an interesting turn over the last year for you. Since we last spoke, you’ve had a solid year and many expected you to go into this next season with a lot of optimism, but instead you’ve chosen to jumpstart an early dialogue about your contract with Yellowknife. There are a lot of players boasting their free agent credentials for S4, but so far, you’re the only player to actively declare interest in free agency in S5. Are you unhappy with your role in Yellowknife so far?
KENNEDY: In some ways, sure. It wasn’t meant that way, but obviously, I want more than I have right now. S3 was good to me, but the passing game is fickle and I don’t know that I can count on those targets to keep me relevant. We’ve got two of the best Wide Receivers in the league and a rising star at the Tight End position. If I’m being honest, maybe insecure is a better word than unhappy. I feel like I need to have a big year if I’m going to have a major role in the league going forward. And I’ve had a habit of being an open book. When I put big expectations on myself, I make it known and that’s worked out so far, but you’re right in that I definitely jumped the gun on these contract talks. I was just trying to hype myself up for a big contract year and I didn’t consider the perception that it would create.
ADVOCATE: The rumors have clearly taken on a life of their own. Your initial discussion of the matter in your personal blog left a lot of people confused. What are your goals in finding a team for Season 5? Is this more about money or opportunity?
KENNEDY: I think maybe that’s where the confusion comes into play because, to me, they’re the same. Any team that’s going to invest a lot of money into a player is going to feature them on the field. Likewise, if there’s no opportunity available for me, a team is not going to offer much, if anything. I don’t like to discuss money publicly, but these figures do get released and it affects the way we’re seen. For a lot of guys, contracts are a status symbol. If I can be very clear, my goal over the next year or two is to become a starting running back for a team. And I’m taking a close look at what people in that position are making right now. That’s the range of the contract offer I’m expecting. If Yellowknife or any other team can match that, it tells me they want to feature me in that role at some point, even if it’s not immediately. If multiple teams are willing to offer that kind of money, I guess that’s a good thing, but if this response has taught me anything, it’s that I can cross that road when I get to it. Until then, I’ve still got a lot of work to do if I’m going to prove that I deserve that type of offer.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: Admittedly, your work as a pure Running Back has left a lot to be desired the last two seasons. It’s been your work as a receiver out of the backfield that’s gotten you noticed. Do you feel that your receiving work will merit offers on its own?
KENNEDY: You’re right. If I were a Free Agent, I don’t know that there would be a lot of any interest from other teams. I’ve got some big improvements to make in Season 4 and I’ve got some plans in place to turn my performance around. I don’t know that there will be many opportunities to run the ball for me next season, but when an opportunity does come, I want to make it count.
ADVOCATE: Yellowknife management has not publicly responded to your announced intentions. How have they responded internally?
KENNEDY: I think they’re trying to be cautious. I mean, listen, I’ve had a few players already pull me aside and tell me that what I did was wrong. We, as players, have the right to free agency, but I fumbled the timing and made the team look bad. And that was never my intention. I’ve even apologized directly to the guys that have spoken to me about it. The last thing I want to do is make the Wraiths look bad. They’re the team that gave me my first shot and they’ve put a lot of effort into helping me grow as a player.
ADVOCATE: What about Spike Crown? Have you had any conversations with him?
KENNEDY: Like I said, he’s been careful. As a lot of people know, there was a case of tampering during the season that the Wraiths were penalized for. My understanding is that it was a miscommunication and Spike’s been playing it safe to avoid any kind of trouble. His image is important to him. I’m sure he doesn’t like it, but he doesn’t want to be heard saying the wrong thing, which is another reason that some of those players pulled me aside. The team loves Spike. I do, too. He’s always so supportive and positive and the last thing any of us have ever wanted to do was put him in a difficult spot. Man to man, he has told me that he can’t discuss contract details until the team is ready to negotiate next season, but he has expressed that he wants to keep me involved in the team’s offense. And I appreciate that.
ADVOCATE: You’ve been accused of stirring the pot. Do you regret that?
KENNEDY: I absolutely do. 100%. I’m new to this whole contract thing. I never wanted to disrespect Spike or the team and I’ve already made a lot of apologies to people directly. I haven’t really said much publicly since the blog was released, but it’s been beyond obvious to me that I handled this poorly. Obviously, a personal blog is no way to announce anything of this level. And I’d like to take the time to publicly apologize to the Wraiths for mishandling it. In my mind, this was something that felt inevitable. I know what my goals are as a player and it just made sense for me to start looking at all my options. The Yellowknife fans are very loyal and I knew that the idea of a player leaving would upset them, so I wanted to get out in front of it, so that we could focus on what mattered next season. Instead, I became a distraction. There’s already been hit job articles that have taken my words out of context, which is mind-boggling to me. This level of attention is just beyond anything I ever experienced in college, even as a starter. And maybe’s that the power of the NSFL. The fans are passionate and they cling to every word we say, so journalists pounce on that. It’s all about Twitter followers and website traffic these days. I’m glad that the news is out in the open, but I hate the circus that has surrounded the announcement. This was never meant to be an act of disrespect to anybody. I could have handled myself more professionally and I deeply apologize for not doing so.
ADVOCATE: But you’re not denying that you are looking for a new team.
KENNEDY: That’s still true. I mean, I’ll listen to the offer when Spike and I sit down to talk. I owe it to him to hear his pitch, but I’m not expecting the bump I’m looking for. Bubba Nuck also has a contract negotiation up, if I understand correctly. I’m sure we’re both looking to step up and I’m pretty sure I know where I fit in that equation. Maybe Bubba decides to test Free Agency, too, and then maybe Spike can offer me a starting job, but I think that’s a fairy tale at this point. Realistically, I have to imagine that the Wraiths are going to do everything that they can to keep Nuck, which is what they should do. He’s a great player. For me, it’s a case of right place, wrong time. And I’m fully prepared to go elsewhere to find a starting job. It’s going to be bittersweet, but I expect it will be the best solution for all parties involved.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: The Wraiths are coming off a tough season that ended in a 7-7 record. In looking at a new team, is winning important to you? Or are you looking more for a team that you can immediately make an impact on?
KENNEDY: For me, Yellowknife’s record was never a factor in my decision to declare interest elsewhere. I take a lot of pride in my team right now and I’ll continue to do that for any team I’m on. Ultimately, I want that team to win. Heck, nothing would please me more than to see the Wraiths win the Ultimus next year. If I’m going to leave, let it be on a good note. Unfortunately, though I think there’s only one team that’s a proven winner right now and that’s the Outlaws. Beyond that, I still think the Wraiths are as good as any other team out there. But it’s never been my desire to just chain myself to a winning team and ride the bench. I don’t want to be an asterisk. Win or lose, I want to be a real part of the team.
ADVOCATE: A lot can change in the off-season, but based on each team’s needs coming out of Season 3, have you given any thought to where you might be able to make an impact?
KENNEDY: I have. You’re right in that this could change based on free agency and even the S4 draft, but my hope is that if one of these teams picks up a great Running Back, it will create a need elsewhere. But purely from a hypothetical standpoint, if the Wraiths cut me today, there are three teams that I think I can make an impact on. And that’s the Hawks, the Sabre Cats, and the Liberty. I don’t mean any disrespect to any of their current Running Backs, but these are guys that I can compete with and that I think I can win the starting job from. If any of those teams had picked me up in the Season 2 draft, I might already be their starter. And all three are great teams. I’d love to be part of their franchises. The Cats and Liberty have exceeded all expectations so far. And the Hawks are two-time NSFC champions, but maybe a Running Back is the one thing they need to push them over the top. And maybe I’m that guy.
ADVOCATE: It’s rare to see someone actually answer that question with actual names.
KENNEDY: For better or worse, I tend to be an open book. I just call it like I see it. Obviously, I haven’t had contact with any of those teams and I don’t know if they’re even interested, but I feel like I could make a good case for myself if any of them approached me. And I hope they will approach me when the time comes.
ADVOCATE: I notice that one team missing from that list is the Las Vegas Legion. Wraiths Cornerback Kevin Cushing was set to move their way in Season 5, but the move is now up in the air after a controversial league ruling. Some speculate that an alternative is being discussed, even the possibly of a different player going to the Legion in Cushing’s absence. With your desire to be a contributor and the Legion in the middle of a rebuild, have you been approached about a trade?
KENNEDY: I have not. To be frank, I’m not sure what Yellowknife’s plans are regarding the Legion and I don’t know what type of dialogue, if any, is happening between the two teams. However, the Legion are a team I did look at very carefully. Unfortunately, I don’t know that I offer them anything. Their current Running Back, Ardie Savea, has been fantastic. He’s one of the hardest-working guys in the NSFL. We came up together in the same prospect class and I was just shocked by the level of talent that he had. Just like with Nuck, Ardie and I bring different things to the table. Perhaps there’s room for some type of committee situation, but I don’t want that and I’m sure Ardie doesn’t, either. And I don’t think it does much for their team. They’ve got too many needs elsewhere.
ADVOCATE: Any thoughts on the situation with Cushing, though? What would you like to see happen?
KENNEDY: I’m too far removed from the situation to give any real feedback. As a Wraith, I didn’t want to lose Cushing and I’m glad to see him stay. Given the chances of myself leaving for a new team is Season 5, though, I guess the ruling isn’t likely affect me either way. So, I guess we’ll see what happens. I hope both teams can find a solution that they’re happy with.
ADVOCATE: One question that hasn’t been posed is the possibility of a position switch. If the Wraiths or another team approached you about switching positions, would you consider it?
KENNEDY: Maybe. If I’m honest, it’s been a topic of discussion from time to time even within the Wraiths locker room, but nothing that has been seriously discussed. For a long time, our needs were at defense and I’ve always been an offensive player. We’re very strong at Wide Receiver, even more so than Running Back. There was some talk between the players about someone switching to Tight End after Ricky Maddox made the move to Defensive End, but I don’t know if my name was ever seriously considered by the higher-ups. But that’s kind of where my involvement in the receiving core came from. I wanted to find a way to contribute and be more than just another blocker on the field. I challenged myself to find success there and I think I surpassed all expectations. Ultimately, it probably comes down to the pitch. If a team wanted me to switch, they’d have to show me that there would be a long-term need for me at that position. Even if I considered it, it’d be a difficult decision. My first-choice is still to remain a Running Back and I’m excited to explore my options at that position first and foremost.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: You stated earlier that the Outlaws are the league’s only proven winner. After winning their third Ultimus in a row, what are your thoughts on the health of the league? Will fans remain interested if the Outlaws continue to dominate this way?
KENNEDY: It’s a tough situation. Admittedly, I was pulling for the Hawks. It’s demoralizing for the other teams and I have to imagine that it does impact the way that fans view the league. As players, though, we challenge ourselves to overcome adversity. We fight day in and day out to improve ourselves and I think the next logical step for any team is to find a way to dethrone the champs. This may take time and I hope the fans will stay invested for the journey, but it just seems inevitable that someone will defeat them at some point. And, as we push ourselves more as players, we’ll create those opportunities for the league to grow and become more competitive. It’s frustrating that it’s taking so long for the league to auto-correct, but it will happen in time. For example, take my situation. If I leave Yellowknife and Nuck stays, another team becomes stronger, but Yellowknife doesn’t necessarily become weaker. Somewhere out there, there’s a wide receiver or defensive tackle with a lot of talent, but they’re stuck on a team with a lot of great players at that position. As Free Agency takes place, those players will go where they’re needed and the league becomes stronger as a whole. And none of this is to discredit the Outlaws because they’re an incredible team. They deserve their success and they should be proud. Their players never settle. They could have kicked their feet up after going 12-2 in Season 2, but instead, they raised the bar and went 13-1 in Season 3. They kept pushing themselves. As a league, we have to do the same. Enough is never enough. We always have to push ourselves to be even better than we were before.
ADVOCATE: With Season 3 finally over, what are your plans for the off-season?
KENNEDY: I’ve got some promotional appearances planned in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area. I really enjoyed making the rounds and interacting with local fans last year, so that’s going to continue, of course. Long-term, there are some business opportunities being discussed. I want to continue to have a presence in my hometown and give back when I can, so that won’t change. However, I’m really excited about a program I’m participating in at LSU. I can’t give a lot of details yet, but I’ll be working directly with some of the student players there and I think it’s going to be good for everyone involved. Obviously, I’ll give more details and hope to share some really good news once that concludes.
ADVOCATE: Maybe we can sit down once more before you head back up to Yellowknife in a few months for training camp. We’d love to share the details with our readers.
KENNEDY: You know what? Sign me up. I’ll work out a timetable with your staff and we’ll set something up in a few months before I head back up.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: One last question. With that return to Yellowknife looming, for what appears to be your final season there, how do you think fans will respond?
KENNEDY: I know a lot of people in the community are already upset. As I said, I handled this poorly and I apologize to the fans as well for that. All I can do is go back there and put forth my best effort. I’m not riding the season out. Yellowknife invested a lot in me and I owe it to them to make the most out of that final season. I suspect it’s over after that, but even so, I want to leave on a high note. And there’s nothing saying I can’t come back some day. I will always be grateful to the team and the fans for the love they’ve shown me and any success I have in this league, on any team, is a credit to the faith that the Wraiths put in me when my journey to the NSFL started. I could have easily been a bust without their support and leadership. Just as I’ve continued to show loyalty for my fans back at LSU and continued to work with the community to do great things, I will always continue to hold the Yellowknife fans in my heart and I’m deeply grateful for my time with the Wraiths.
ADVOCATE: Thank you for taking so much time today to speak with us.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. I look forward to sitting back down with you before Season 4 begins.
3290 Words
Ready for Grading
One year after his last interview with the New Orleans Advocate, NSFL Running Back Eric Kennedy returns to New Orleans for another interview in the wake of the Wraiths’ emotional Season 3.
ADVOCATE: It’s good to have you back with us. I’m sure you’re glad to be home for the offseason.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. It’s always good to return home. And thank you for having me.
ADVOCATE: Things have taken an interesting turn over the last year for you. Since we last spoke, you’ve had a solid year and many expected you to go into this next season with a lot of optimism, but instead you’ve chosen to jumpstart an early dialogue about your contract with Yellowknife. There are a lot of players boasting their free agent credentials for S4, but so far, you’re the only player to actively declare interest in free agency in S5. Are you unhappy with your role in Yellowknife so far?
KENNEDY: In some ways, sure. It wasn’t meant that way, but obviously, I want more than I have right now. S3 was good to me, but the passing game is fickle and I don’t know that I can count on those targets to keep me relevant. We’ve got two of the best Wide Receivers in the league and a rising star at the Tight End position. If I’m being honest, maybe insecure is a better word than unhappy. I feel like I need to have a big year if I’m going to have a major role in the league going forward. And I’ve had a habit of being an open book. When I put big expectations on myself, I make it known and that’s worked out so far, but you’re right in that I definitely jumped the gun on these contract talks. I was just trying to hype myself up for a big contract year and I didn’t consider the perception that it would create.
ADVOCATE: The rumors have clearly taken on a life of their own. Your initial discussion of the matter in your personal blog left a lot of people confused. What are your goals in finding a team for Season 5? Is this more about money or opportunity?
KENNEDY: I think maybe that’s where the confusion comes into play because, to me, they’re the same. Any team that’s going to invest a lot of money into a player is going to feature them on the field. Likewise, if there’s no opportunity available for me, a team is not going to offer much, if anything. I don’t like to discuss money publicly, but these figures do get released and it affects the way we’re seen. For a lot of guys, contracts are a status symbol. If I can be very clear, my goal over the next year or two is to become a starting running back for a team. And I’m taking a close look at what people in that position are making right now. That’s the range of the contract offer I’m expecting. If Yellowknife or any other team can match that, it tells me they want to feature me in that role at some point, even if it’s not immediately. If multiple teams are willing to offer that kind of money, I guess that’s a good thing, but if this response has taught me anything, it’s that I can cross that road when I get to it. Until then, I’ve still got a lot of work to do if I’m going to prove that I deserve that type of offer.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: Admittedly, your work as a pure Running Back has left a lot to be desired the last two seasons. It’s been your work as a receiver out of the backfield that’s gotten you noticed. Do you feel that your receiving work will merit offers on its own?
KENNEDY: You’re right. If I were a Free Agent, I don’t know that there would be a lot of any interest from other teams. I’ve got some big improvements to make in Season 4 and I’ve got some plans in place to turn my performance around. I don’t know that there will be many opportunities to run the ball for me next season, but when an opportunity does come, I want to make it count.
ADVOCATE: Yellowknife management has not publicly responded to your announced intentions. How have they responded internally?
KENNEDY: I think they’re trying to be cautious. I mean, listen, I’ve had a few players already pull me aside and tell me that what I did was wrong. We, as players, have the right to free agency, but I fumbled the timing and made the team look bad. And that was never my intention. I’ve even apologized directly to the guys that have spoken to me about it. The last thing I want to do is make the Wraiths look bad. They’re the team that gave me my first shot and they’ve put a lot of effort into helping me grow as a player.
ADVOCATE: What about Spike Crown? Have you had any conversations with him?
KENNEDY: Like I said, he’s been careful. As a lot of people know, there was a case of tampering during the season that the Wraiths were penalized for. My understanding is that it was a miscommunication and Spike’s been playing it safe to avoid any kind of trouble. His image is important to him. I’m sure he doesn’t like it, but he doesn’t want to be heard saying the wrong thing, which is another reason that some of those players pulled me aside. The team loves Spike. I do, too. He’s always so supportive and positive and the last thing any of us have ever wanted to do was put him in a difficult spot. Man to man, he has told me that he can’t discuss contract details until the team is ready to negotiate next season, but he has expressed that he wants to keep me involved in the team’s offense. And I appreciate that.
ADVOCATE: You’ve been accused of stirring the pot. Do you regret that?
KENNEDY: I absolutely do. 100%. I’m new to this whole contract thing. I never wanted to disrespect Spike or the team and I’ve already made a lot of apologies to people directly. I haven’t really said much publicly since the blog was released, but it’s been beyond obvious to me that I handled this poorly. Obviously, a personal blog is no way to announce anything of this level. And I’d like to take the time to publicly apologize to the Wraiths for mishandling it. In my mind, this was something that felt inevitable. I know what my goals are as a player and it just made sense for me to start looking at all my options. The Yellowknife fans are very loyal and I knew that the idea of a player leaving would upset them, so I wanted to get out in front of it, so that we could focus on what mattered next season. Instead, I became a distraction. There’s already been hit job articles that have taken my words out of context, which is mind-boggling to me. This level of attention is just beyond anything I ever experienced in college, even as a starter. And maybe’s that the power of the NSFL. The fans are passionate and they cling to every word we say, so journalists pounce on that. It’s all about Twitter followers and website traffic these days. I’m glad that the news is out in the open, but I hate the circus that has surrounded the announcement. This was never meant to be an act of disrespect to anybody. I could have handled myself more professionally and I deeply apologize for not doing so.
ADVOCATE: But you’re not denying that you are looking for a new team.
KENNEDY: That’s still true. I mean, I’ll listen to the offer when Spike and I sit down to talk. I owe it to him to hear his pitch, but I’m not expecting the bump I’m looking for. Bubba Nuck also has a contract negotiation up, if I understand correctly. I’m sure we’re both looking to step up and I’m pretty sure I know where I fit in that equation. Maybe Bubba decides to test Free Agency, too, and then maybe Spike can offer me a starting job, but I think that’s a fairy tale at this point. Realistically, I have to imagine that the Wraiths are going to do everything that they can to keep Nuck, which is what they should do. He’s a great player. For me, it’s a case of right place, wrong time. And I’m fully prepared to go elsewhere to find a starting job. It’s going to be bittersweet, but I expect it will be the best solution for all parties involved.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: The Wraiths are coming off a tough season that ended in a 7-7 record. In looking at a new team, is winning important to you? Or are you looking more for a team that you can immediately make an impact on?
KENNEDY: For me, Yellowknife’s record was never a factor in my decision to declare interest elsewhere. I take a lot of pride in my team right now and I’ll continue to do that for any team I’m on. Ultimately, I want that team to win. Heck, nothing would please me more than to see the Wraiths win the Ultimus next year. If I’m going to leave, let it be on a good note. Unfortunately, though I think there’s only one team that’s a proven winner right now and that’s the Outlaws. Beyond that, I still think the Wraiths are as good as any other team out there. But it’s never been my desire to just chain myself to a winning team and ride the bench. I don’t want to be an asterisk. Win or lose, I want to be a real part of the team.
ADVOCATE: A lot can change in the off-season, but based on each team’s needs coming out of Season 3, have you given any thought to where you might be able to make an impact?
KENNEDY: I have. You’re right in that this could change based on free agency and even the S4 draft, but my hope is that if one of these teams picks up a great Running Back, it will create a need elsewhere. But purely from a hypothetical standpoint, if the Wraiths cut me today, there are three teams that I think I can make an impact on. And that’s the Hawks, the Sabre Cats, and the Liberty. I don’t mean any disrespect to any of their current Running Backs, but these are guys that I can compete with and that I think I can win the starting job from. If any of those teams had picked me up in the Season 2 draft, I might already be their starter. And all three are great teams. I’d love to be part of their franchises. The Cats and Liberty have exceeded all expectations so far. And the Hawks are two-time NSFC champions, but maybe a Running Back is the one thing they need to push them over the top. And maybe I’m that guy.
ADVOCATE: It’s rare to see someone actually answer that question with actual names.
KENNEDY: For better or worse, I tend to be an open book. I just call it like I see it. Obviously, I haven’t had contact with any of those teams and I don’t know if they’re even interested, but I feel like I could make a good case for myself if any of them approached me. And I hope they will approach me when the time comes.
ADVOCATE: I notice that one team missing from that list is the Las Vegas Legion. Wraiths Cornerback Kevin Cushing was set to move their way in Season 5, but the move is now up in the air after a controversial league ruling. Some speculate that an alternative is being discussed, even the possibly of a different player going to the Legion in Cushing’s absence. With your desire to be a contributor and the Legion in the middle of a rebuild, have you been approached about a trade?
KENNEDY: I have not. To be frank, I’m not sure what Yellowknife’s plans are regarding the Legion and I don’t know what type of dialogue, if any, is happening between the two teams. However, the Legion are a team I did look at very carefully. Unfortunately, I don’t know that I offer them anything. Their current Running Back, Ardie Savea, has been fantastic. He’s one of the hardest-working guys in the NSFL. We came up together in the same prospect class and I was just shocked by the level of talent that he had. Just like with Nuck, Ardie and I bring different things to the table. Perhaps there’s room for some type of committee situation, but I don’t want that and I’m sure Ardie doesn’t, either. And I don’t think it does much for their team. They’ve got too many needs elsewhere.
ADVOCATE: Any thoughts on the situation with Cushing, though? What would you like to see happen?
KENNEDY: I’m too far removed from the situation to give any real feedback. As a Wraith, I didn’t want to lose Cushing and I’m glad to see him stay. Given the chances of myself leaving for a new team is Season 5, though, I guess the ruling isn’t likely affect me either way. So, I guess we’ll see what happens. I hope both teams can find a solution that they’re happy with.
ADVOCATE: One question that hasn’t been posed is the possibility of a position switch. If the Wraiths or another team approached you about switching positions, would you consider it?
KENNEDY: Maybe. If I’m honest, it’s been a topic of discussion from time to time even within the Wraiths locker room, but nothing that has been seriously discussed. For a long time, our needs were at defense and I’ve always been an offensive player. We’re very strong at Wide Receiver, even more so than Running Back. There was some talk between the players about someone switching to Tight End after Ricky Maddox made the move to Defensive End, but I don’t know if my name was ever seriously considered by the higher-ups. But that’s kind of where my involvement in the receiving core came from. I wanted to find a way to contribute and be more than just another blocker on the field. I challenged myself to find success there and I think I surpassed all expectations. Ultimately, it probably comes down to the pitch. If a team wanted me to switch, they’d have to show me that there would be a long-term need for me at that position. Even if I considered it, it’d be a difficult decision. My first-choice is still to remain a Running Back and I’m excited to explore my options at that position first and foremost.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: You stated earlier that the Outlaws are the league’s only proven winner. After winning their third Ultimus in a row, what are your thoughts on the health of the league? Will fans remain interested if the Outlaws continue to dominate this way?
KENNEDY: It’s a tough situation. Admittedly, I was pulling for the Hawks. It’s demoralizing for the other teams and I have to imagine that it does impact the way that fans view the league. As players, though, we challenge ourselves to overcome adversity. We fight day in and day out to improve ourselves and I think the next logical step for any team is to find a way to dethrone the champs. This may take time and I hope the fans will stay invested for the journey, but it just seems inevitable that someone will defeat them at some point. And, as we push ourselves more as players, we’ll create those opportunities for the league to grow and become more competitive. It’s frustrating that it’s taking so long for the league to auto-correct, but it will happen in time. For example, take my situation. If I leave Yellowknife and Nuck stays, another team becomes stronger, but Yellowknife doesn’t necessarily become weaker. Somewhere out there, there’s a wide receiver or defensive tackle with a lot of talent, but they’re stuck on a team with a lot of great players at that position. As Free Agency takes place, those players will go where they’re needed and the league becomes stronger as a whole. And none of this is to discredit the Outlaws because they’re an incredible team. They deserve their success and they should be proud. Their players never settle. They could have kicked their feet up after going 12-2 in Season 2, but instead, they raised the bar and went 13-1 in Season 3. They kept pushing themselves. As a league, we have to do the same. Enough is never enough. We always have to push ourselves to be even better than we were before.
ADVOCATE: With Season 3 finally over, what are your plans for the off-season?
KENNEDY: I’ve got some promotional appearances planned in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area. I really enjoyed making the rounds and interacting with local fans last year, so that’s going to continue, of course. Long-term, there are some business opportunities being discussed. I want to continue to have a presence in my hometown and give back when I can, so that won’t change. However, I’m really excited about a program I’m participating in at LSU. I can’t give a lot of details yet, but I’ll be working directly with some of the student players there and I think it’s going to be good for everyone involved. Obviously, I’ll give more details and hope to share some really good news once that concludes.
ADVOCATE: Maybe we can sit down once more before you head back up to Yellowknife in a few months for training camp. We’d love to share the details with our readers.
KENNEDY: You know what? Sign me up. I’ll work out a timetable with your staff and we’ll set something up in a few months before I head back up.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"][/div]
ADVOCATE: One last question. With that return to Yellowknife looming, for what appears to be your final season there, how do you think fans will respond?
KENNEDY: I know a lot of people in the community are already upset. As I said, I handled this poorly and I apologize to the fans as well for that. All I can do is go back there and put forth my best effort. I’m not riding the season out. Yellowknife invested a lot in me and I owe it to them to make the most out of that final season. I suspect it’s over after that, but even so, I want to leave on a high note. And there’s nothing saying I can’t come back some day. I will always be grateful to the team and the fans for the love they’ve shown me and any success I have in this league, on any team, is a credit to the faith that the Wraiths put in me when my journey to the NSFL started. I could have easily been a bust without their support and leadership. Just as I’ve continued to show loyalty for my fans back at LSU and continued to work with the community to do great things, I will always continue to hold the Yellowknife fans in my heart and I’m deeply grateful for my time with the Wraiths.
ADVOCATE: Thank you for taking so much time today to speak with us.
KENNEDY: Absolutely. I look forward to sitting back down with you before Season 4 begins.
3290 Words
Ready for Grading
Thanks to Jangorhino for the sig.