Tom Kennedy has been a preseason star for the Detroit Lions, and a noteworthy former NFL wide receiver took notice.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy led the entire NFL in receiving yards in Week 1 of this preseason, with 104 yards on his eight catches against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kennedy continued to make his case for a roster spot in the second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, with a touchdown catch on each side of halftime from each of the Lions’ backup quarterbacks.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell called Kennedy dependable after the first preseason game, and reliable after the second. Those aren’t necessarily high-level complements, but they do mean something and it’s clear Campbell likes what Kennedy brings to the table.
Here’s what Campbell said about Kennedy after Saturday’s game, via Heavy.com.
"I would say he didn’t disappoint but I need to go back and watch the film. We’re trying to give him every opportunity to make this team. That’s what that means, because he just won’t go away. That’s a good thing,"
Notable former NFL wide receiver noticed Tom Kennedy vs. the Colts
Kennedy’s first touchdown reception against the Colts was a nice play in a contested catch situation on the final play of the first half. Which isn’t to discount the play he made on his second touchdown grab.
A touchdown to end the half!#DETvsIND | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/lAQ4vhz1Zs
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 20, 2022
Back to back trips to the end zone for TK!#DETvsIND | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/5AeGzgeFnZ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 20, 2022
A former NFL wide receiver who got attention for his production and his personality in equal measure took notice of Kennedy.
Tommy Kennedy i now know your name & you’ve put me on notice 🏈
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 20, 2022
"Tommy Kennedy I now know your name & you’ve put me on notice,”"
Praise from former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, or Chad Ocho Cinco as he was once known, should not be set aside easily. For all his antics at times Johnson was a very productive player, with over 11,000 career yards and 67 touchdowns mostly for the Cincinnati Bengals over 11 NFL seasons (2001-2011).
Like Kennedy, Johnson also wore No. 85 in his career. Kennedy is making a name for himself, perhaps all the way to being on the Lions 53-man roster heading into Week 1.