Tom Kennedy Bio
Tom Kennedy (born July 29, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, he wears jersey number 85 and is listed as an active member of the Lions roster. In addition to his football career, Kennedy is a former professional lacrosse player, making him one of only a small number of athletes to compete professionally in both sports.
A native of Farmingdale, New York, Kennedy attended Farmingdale High School before playing college football and lacrosse at Bryant University. He went on to join the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has remained with the organization ever since, bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster while contributing on offense and special teams.
Early Life and Background
Tom Kennedy was born on July 29, 1996, in Farmingdale, New York, where he grew up and developed his early love for multiple sports. He attended Farmingdale High School, where he began laying the groundwork for a versatile athletic career that would eventually take him from the lacrosse field to the professional football gridiron.
As a young athlete, Kennedy stood out as a multi-sport talent, eventually attracting the attention of college recruiters. His upbringing on Long Island shaped his competitive mindset and prepared him for the demands of being a dual-sport athlete at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Kennedy committed to play both football and lacrosse at Bryant University, embracing the challenge of competing in two demanding sports. After his freshman year of college, he stepped away from football to focus on lacrosse, eventually becoming a first team All-Northeast Conference midfielder in 2017. That same season, he helped the Bryant Bulldogs reach the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship.
His path back to football came during his senior year, when Kennedy returned to the gridiron and earned first team All-NEC honors after catching 57 passes for 888 yards and nine touchdowns, while also adding 66 rushing yards and three scores on 12 carries. He balanced his final lacrosse season with another strong football campaign, finishing his senior year with 33 receptions for 410 yards and a touchdown. This unusual two-sport journey ultimately led him to the NFL.
Tom Kennedy Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Tom Kennedy signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2019, after participating in a rookie minicamp. Although he was waived on August 31 as part of final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad the very next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 27 and made his NFL debut two days later against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 29. He was waived again on October 14 and re-signed to the practice squad before being signed to a reserve/future contract on December 30.
In 2020, Kennedy was waived on September 5 and signed to the practice squad the following day. He then signed a reserve/future contract on January 5, 2021, keeping his career with Detroit alive. During this developmental stretch, he worked to refine his route running and special teams abilities while adjusting to the speed of the professional game.
NFL Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Kennedy’s first significant opportunity came on October 17, 2021, when injuries to fellow wide receivers Tyrell Williams and Quintez Cephus opened a path to the active roster. He caught his first NFL pass in a 34–11 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals and added 83 return yards on four kicks in the same game. Although he was waived on November 8 and re-signed to the practice squad, he was promoted back to the active roster on November 20.
The defining moment of his early career arrived on January 9, 2022, against the Green Bay Packers. With the Lions trailing late in the game, Kennedy took a snap and threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond on a trick play, scoring his first NFL touchdown and helping Detroit to a 37–30 victory. The following season brought more roster movement, including a promotion to the active roster on October 5, 2022, an injury settlement in August 2023, and continued contributions on special teams and offense.
Detroit Lions Era (2023–Present)
Kennedy returned to the Lions’ practice squad on November 29, 2023, and signed a reserve/future contract on January 30, 2024. After being released on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster on December 21. He continued his work on special teams and as a depth receiver, providing a reliable option on kick and punt returns.
On January 2, 2025, Kennedy was waived and quickly re-signed to the practice squad, before signing another reserve/future contract on January 20, 2025. He was released again on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad, then promoted to the active roster on November 26. His tenure with Detroit reflects persistence and adaptability through constant roster churn.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kennedy has built his value on versatility rather than a single elite trait. He has contributed as a slot receiver, a kick and punt returner, and even as a passer on trick plays, including his 75-yard touchdown strike to Kalif Raymond. His competitive toughness, special teams reliability, and willingness to embrace any role have made him a steady presence for the Lions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Tom Kennedy’s career is his trick-play touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers in January 2022, a play that announced his offensive potential in dramatic fashion. He is also one of only two athletes, along with former NFL receiver Chris Hogan, to appear in both a professional lacrosse game and an NFL game, a rare dual-sport distinction.
Tom Kennedy Career Wins
While Tom Kennedy is not primarily counted among the league’s statistical leaders, his career has been marked by key performances in crucial moments, including his first NFL reception and first NFL touchdown. He has been a regular contributor on special teams throughout his time in Detroit.
NFL Highlights
Through his time with the Lions, Kennedy has tallied 18 receptions for 231 receiving yards and 762 return yards, while also completing one pass for 75 yards and a touchdown. His first NFL catch came against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, and his first touchdown came on a 75-yard pass to Kalif Raymond in 2022 against the Green Bay Packers.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the NFL, Kennedy was a standout in lacrosse, earning first team All-NEC honors in 2017 and helping Bryant reach the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. He was also selected in the third round of the 2018 Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Boston Cannons and played in six games for the team during the 2018 season.
Tom Kennedy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tom Kennedy grew up in Farmingdale, New York, where he attended Farmingdale High School. His family supported his multi-sport development, encouraging his path in both football and lacrosse. He later attended Bryant University, where he continued to compete in both sports at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Tom Kennedy is recognized for his perseverance and willingness to embrace a journeyman role within the Detroit organization. He remains active on social media and continues to focus on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has continued Tom Kennedy’s familiar pattern of roster movement with the Detroit Lions. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts, and re-signed to the practice squad, only to be promoted back to the active roster on November 26. His value on kick and punt returns, combined with his role as a depth receiver, kept him within the organization throughout the year.
Kennedy’s primary contributions in 2025 have come on special teams, where he has continued to add to his return yardage totals and provide reliable coverage. As a veteran presence in the receiver room, he has helped mentor younger players while staying ready for offensive opportunities whenever injuries arise.
Looking ahead, Kennedy remains a depth piece for the Lions, with his unique blend of special teams value and offensive versatility providing a clear role. His continued presence on reserve/future contracts signals that Detroit values his locker room presence and his ability to step into multiple roles when called upon.
