Introduction:
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen is a name that may not be familiar to many NFL fans, but he is a prime example of hard work and perseverance paying off in sports. Kitchen was undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft but managed to make it all the way to the big leagues as a defensive tackle. Here we’ll dive into the rise of Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and how he made it all the way to the NFL.
1. Early Life and High School Career
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1988. He attended Cardinal Mooney High School, where he played football and was a standout defensive tackle. His impressive performance in high school earned him a scholarship to attend Kent State University in Ohio. Ishmaa’ily Kitchen’s high school career set the foundation for his future success as a football player.
2. College Career
While attending Kent State University, Kitchen continued his football journey as a defensive tackle. He played in 47 games over four seasons, finishing his college career with 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Despite his impressive performances, Kitchen went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
3. NFL Career Beginnings
In 2012, Kitchen signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. However, he did not make the team and was released before the start of the regular season. He then signed with the New York Giants in 2013, where he played in 13 games and made 11 tackles. This experience helped Kitchen gain valuable experience on the game’s pro level.
4. Moving to the Canadian Football League
In 2014, Kitchen signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in nine games for the Eskimos and recorded 11 tackles. However, Kitchen wanted to continue playing in the NFL.
5. NFL Career Resurgence
Kitchen returned to the NFL in 2015, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 14 games that year and made 14 tackles and a fumble recovery. Kitchen’s performance piqued the interest of other NFL teams, and he later signed with the Detroit Lions.
6. Career with the Detroit Lions
Kitchen played for the Detroit Lions from 2016-2017, where he served as a backup defensive tackle. He played in 26 games and recorded 19 tackles with the Lions. Kitchen’s experience with multiple teams helped him gain exposure and gain an understanding of the game’s professional side.
7. Retiring from the NFL
After spending six years in the NFL, Kitchen announced his retirement in 2018. In total, he played in 42 NFL games, made 42 tackles, and recorded one fumble recovery. Kitchen’s impressive NFL career showed that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to succeed in sports, even as an undrafted player.
8. Life After Retirement
Since retiring from the NFL, Kitchen has returned to his roots. He works as a youth football coach and mentor in the Youngstown, Ohio community, working to inspire young athletes. Kitchen’s passion for the sport and his experience in the NFL make him an invaluable mentor, inspiring young players to strive for greatness.
Conclusion:
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen’s journey is an inspiring example of perseverance and determination. Despite facing many obstacles, Kitchen fought hard to make it to the NFL and represent his hometown. While his NFL career may have been short, his dedication to the sport and continued involvement in youth football make him a role model for young athletes.
FAQs:
1. Who is Ishmaa’ily Kitchen?
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen is a former NFL defensive tackle who played for multiple teams during his six-year career, including the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
2. Where did Ishmaa’ily Kitchen go to college?
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen attended Kent State University in Ohio.
3. Was Ishmaa’ily Kitchen drafted in the NFL?
No, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen was not drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft but became an undrafted free agent and signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
4. What did Ishmaa’ily Kitchen do after retiring from the NFL?
Since retiring from the NFL, Kitchen has become a youth football coach and mentor in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio.
5. How many NFL games did Ishmaa’ily Kitchen play in?
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen played in 42 NFL games and recorded 42 tackles and one fumble recovery.