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). He is also a former professional lacrosse player who was selected in the Major League Lacrosse Draft. Kennedy played college football for the Bryant Bulldogs and was named first-team All-Northeast Conference during his senior season. He signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has remained with the organization since, contributing primarily on special teams while developing as a depth wide receiver.
Early Life and Background
Tom Kennedy was born on July 29, 1996, in Farmingdale, New York. He attended Farmingdale High School where he excelled in both football and lacrosse. His athletic abilities were evident early, setting the foundation for his future as a dual-sport athlete at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Kennedy chose to attend Bryant University, where he initially planned to play both football and lacrosse. However, he made the decision to leave football after his freshman year to focus on lacrosse. During his lacrosse career, Kennedy established himself as a first-team All-Northeast Conference selection as a midfielder in 2017, helping the Bryant Bulldogs reach the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. His success in lacrosse demonstrated his elite athleticism and hand-eye coordination that would later benefit his football career. Ultimately, Kennedy decided to return to football for his senior year and was named first-team All-NEC after recording 57 receptions for 888 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for 66 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries. He was again named All-NEC at midfielder during his final lacrosse season.
Tom Kennedy Career
Early Career (2019)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Kennedy signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2019. He participated in the Lions rookie minicamp and earned an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31 but was immediately re-signed to the team’s practice squad. Kennedy was promoted to the Lions active roster on September 27 and made his NFL debut on September 29 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was waived again on October 14 and returned to the practice squad before signing a reserve/future contract with the Lions on December 30, 2019.
Developing Role (2020-2021)
Kennedy continued his trajectory with the Lions in 2020, being waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times throughout the season before signing another reserve/future contract on January 5, 2021. The 2021 season marked a significant milestone in his career. On October 17, 2021, with injuries depleting the Lions receiving corps, Kennedy recorded his first NFL catch during a 34-11 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In the same game, he returned four kicks for 83 yards, showcasing his value on special teams. He continued to shuffle between the active roster and practice squad throughout the season. On January 9, 2022, in the season finale against the Green Bay Packers, Kennedy recorded his first NFL touchdown on a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond during a trick play. The Lions defeated the Packers 37-30 in a memorable victory that highlighted Kennedy’s versatility and playmaking ability.
Detroit Lions Era (2022-Present)
Throughout 2022 and into 2023, Kennedy continued his tenure with the Lions organization, frequently moving between the active roster and practice squad. He signed multiple reserve/future contracts and experienced the typical roster churn of a young player fighting for a permanent spot on an NFL team. On July 28, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve after waiving/injured designation. He and the Lions reached an injury settlement on August 7, allowing him to recover. On November 29, 2023, Kennedy was signed to the Lions practice squad. He signed another reserve/future contract on January 30, 2024, and continued his pattern of being released and re-signed multiple times during the 2024 season. He was promoted to the active roster on December 21, 2024, after spending much of the season on the practice squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kennedy has carved out a role as a reliable special teams contributor during his time with the Lions. His experience as a dual-sport athlete at Bryant University, excelling in both football and lacrosse, has contributed to his strong ball skills and body control. His ability to contribute on kick returns has been a consistent part of his value to the organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Kennedy’s NFL career came during the 2021 season finale against the Green Bay Packers. On January 9, 2022, he threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond on a trick play, recording his first NFL touchdown in dramatic fashion. The Lions defeated the Packers 37-30 in what became one of the memorable victories of that season.
Tom Kennedy Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Kennedy has appeared in 18 games with limited offensive production but consistent special teams contributions. His primary statistical output includes receptions and receiving yards accumulated during his appearances. His unique dual-sport professional career includes his time in Major League Lacrosse before returning to finish his college football career.
Professional Football Highlights
Kennedy’s NFL career has been defined by persistence and versatility rather than volume statistics. His most notable achievement came in Week 18 of the 2021 season when he threw a 75-yard touchdown pass on a trick play against the Green Bay Packers. Throughout his career with the Lions, he has appeared in 18 games and accumulated receiving yards while also contributing significantly in the return game with 762 total return yards.
Professional Lacrosse Career
Before establishing himself in the NFL, Kennedy was selected in the third round of the 2018 Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Boston Cannons. He played in six games for the team during the 2012018 season before leaving to return to Bryant University for a final season of college football. He became one of only two athletes, alongside Chris Hogan, to play professionally in both Major League Lacrosse and the NFL.
Bryant University Achievements
During his final college football season, Kennedy earned first-team All-Northeast Conference honors after recording 57 receptions for 888 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 66 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries, demonstrating his versatility as an offensive weapon. His lacrosse achievements at Bryant included being named first-team All-NEC as a midfielder in 2017.
Tom Kennedy Family
Family Background and Dual-Sport Lineage
While detailed family information is not publicly available, Kennedy’s background as a dual-sport athlete in both football and lacrosse at the collegiate level is notable. His ability to excel at the highest levels of both sports demonstrates exceptional athletic versatility.
Personal Life
Kennedy is a graduate of Bryant University, where he balanced both football and lacrosse before ultimately choosing to focus on football professionally. His unique career path includes returning to college football after beginning a professional lacrosse career, showcasing his dedication to maximizing his athletic potential.
2025 Season Performance
Kennedy continued his journeyman tenure with the Detroit Lions throughout the 2025 season. He was released by the Lions on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad. He earned a promotion to the active roster on November 26, 2025, after injuries created opportunities at the receiver position. His ability to contribute on special teams and his familiarity with the Lions offensive system made him a valuable depth piece as the team navigated the latter portion of the season.