Senate Resolution No. 1760

BY: Senator MAYER

CONGRATULATING Jimmy Kennedy upon the occasion of
being inducted into the Roosevelt High School-Early
College Studies Alumni Wall of Fame on June 6, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
individuals from the sporting world who have distinguished themselves
through exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the
highest level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements
and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and
become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Jimmy Kennedy upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies Alumni Wall of Fame; the
ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Jimmy Kennedy attended Roosevelt High School in Yonkers,
New York, where he was a three-year starter on both offense and defense;
under Coach Tony DeMatteo, he earned All-American, All-City,
All-Conference, All-State, and team MVP honors; he also won a local High
School Heisman trophy sponsored by the Downtown Athletic Club; and

WHEREAS, During Jimmy Kennedy's junior season, Roosevelt High School
recorded an undefeated season, and went on to win the state
championship; in his three years as a starter, the team was 30-3; after
his senior season of 1998, he played in the Governor's Bowl, in which
the best prep players of New York played the best high school players in
New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Jimmy Kennedy played football for Penn
State University; the four-year starter was named the 2002 Big Ten
Defensive Lineman-of-the-Year and was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten
selection; a semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award, Kennedy finished his
career with 213 tackles, 14 sacks, and 39 tackles-for-loss; and

WHEREAS, In his freshman season, Jimmy Kennedy played in 12 games,
starting six, and recorded 33 tackles and batted away four passes; in
2000, as a sophomore, he started all 11 games for Penn State and
recorded 42 tackles and 6 sacks; as a junior, he made 51 tackles and
logged 1.5 sacks and was voted All-Big Ten for the first time; and

WHEREAS, As a senior in 2002, Jimmy Kennedy was named a First-team
All-America by The Sporting News, and Walter Camp Football Foundation,
"The NFL Draft Report," and third-team honors from the Associated Press;
he also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitation
services; and

WHEREAS, Jimmy Kennedy was the first round pick (12th overall) of
the St. Louis Rams in the 2003 NFL Draft; he played 13 games during his
rookie season; the following year, he played in the final nine games of

the season, starting five of them; by 2005, he had earned a spot as the
Rams' nose tackle, played in 15 games and started the first nine games
of the season; and

WHEREAS, After a short time with the Denver Broncos, Jimmy Kennedy
was signed by the Chicago Bears on December 11, 2007, and played in the
final three games of the season, making three tackles; and

WHEREAS, On March 4, 2008, Jimmy Kennedy signed a one-year contract
with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and played six games; nine months later,
he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, and recorded three sacks during
the 2009 season; on August 23, 2011, he was signed by the New York
Giants; and

WHEREAS, This outstanding athlete has clearly utilized dedication,
determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of his school; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
the congratulate Jimmy Kennedy upon the occasion of being inducted into
the Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies Alumni Wall of Fame on
June 6, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jimmy Kennedy.