Kerry Rhodes (born August 2, 1982 in Bessemer, Alabama) is an American football player, who currently plays free safety for the New York Jets in the National Football League.
Kerry Rhodes was born in Bessemer, Alabama to Jubrella and Jerome Rhodes and began playing football at nine years old. Kerry was a starting quarterback and honor student at Jess Lanier High School in Bessemer. As a junior, he threw more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 500 yards and three scores in 1998; guiding Lanier to a 10-2 record. During his senior season, Rhodes threw for more than 1,600 yards and ran for another 850. He was also selected Metro Player of the year and first-team All-state in basketball of which he led his team to the 6A title game. In 2000, he went to the University of Louisville as a quarterback for the Cardinals, but was moved to safety and became one of the team’s best defensive players. Kerry finished out his first season at Louisville with 10 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. As a reserve in 2002, he had 18 tackles (12 solos), a forced fumble, two pass deflections, a blocked kick and an interception. Kerry took over chores as a free safety in 2003 and registered a career high with a sack, 82 tackles (61 solos) and three stops for losses. In 2004, He closed out his college career with 167 tackles (101 solos), a 12-yard sack, 18 pass deflections and 11 interceptions for 106 yards in returns. Rhodes was accorded first-team All-Conference USA honors that same year.
Kerry Rhodes was drafted in the 4th Round (123rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. That same year, he beat out Oliver Celestin for the starting job at Strong Safety and started in 16 consecutive games in 2005. In his first professional season, Kerry recorded 108 total tackles (85 solo), a sack, an interception, 9 pass deflections and a forced fumble.
2006 was a breakout season for the young safety. On September 24, 2006, he made a pivotal play against J.P. Losman of the Buffalo Bills, stripping the ball from the quarterback's hands and allowing Victor Hobson to return the fumble for a touchdown. This helped the Jets to a 28-20 victory. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 3. In Week 4, Quarterback Peyton Manning shouted, "There's Kerry! Block Kerry!" to his linemen during the Jets’ game against the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 7, Rhodes intercepted an important pass by Detroit Lions Quarterback Jon Kitna, yet another big defensive play. In Week 12, during the game against the Houston Texans, Rhodes intercepted a huge pass by Quarterback David Carr in the second half. On Sunday, December 10, 2006, Kerry received the Sparkplug of the Year Award—the highest honor from the Jets Pack, a fan tailgate. Rhodes' statistics at the end of the season were of a Pro Bowl caliber, but Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and John Lynch proved to be more popular in fan voting and earned the nod ahead of the Jets' safety.
His place in the upper echelon of NFL defensive backs cemented, Rhodes has become a versatile defender for New York, showing the abilities to read the quarterback, cover opposing tight ends, blitz, and provide run support. Aside from his physical talents, Rhodes has developed leadership abilities under Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini. Along with middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Rhodes is considered to be one of the major influences along the Jets defense.
According to several reports, the Jets are attempting to negotiate a long-term contract extension to keep Rhodes in New York for the foreseeable future.
In 2006, Kerry established The RHODES Foundation to address the Reaffirming Hopes Of Dream Endearing Scholars living in America’s impoverished neighborhoods. The foundation’s mission supports the educational and financial advancement of young people in underserved high schools nationwide. An event to launch The RHODES Foundation was held on July 19, 2006 at The 40/40 Club in New York sponsored by Vibe Magazine, Hpnotiq, MyVibe.tv, Ideal PR, The 40/40 Club and Uptown Model Management. It was attended by some of fashion and entertainment’s top names, including Laveranues Coles, Jessica White, Donell Jones, Anthony Mackie, Melyssa Ford and Camille McDonald from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 2.
Off the field, Kerry will appear in the films, The Queen of Media and Misunderstandings. He has also been featured in both Upscale and Elan eXtreme Magazines. Kerry majored in Communications and minored in Theater Arts at the U of Louisville. Kerry is represented by Ideal PR Public Relations.
