Kenny Tippins

Kenneth Tippins, (born July 22, 1966, in Adel, Georgia) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State University.

Early years

Tippins attended Cook High School, where he practiced football and basketball.

He accepted a scholarship to play for Middle Tennessee State University, where he was a three-year starter at defensive end and a two-time All-OVC selection.

In 1990 after playing his first NFL season, he returned to school to work on his Physical Education degree at a time when the basketball team was left with only 3 active players, after suspensions were handed down following a bench-clearing brawl against Tennessee Tech University.^[1] Because he was still technically eligible to play basketball, he ended up being a part of the team for 4 games and had a chance to play against future NBA player Popeye Jones.^[2] He also finished with a 100 field goal percentage after making his only shot.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Tippins signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, with the intention of being converted to an outside linebacker. He initially joined the practice squad, before being promoted to the active roster for the eleventh game of the season against the Miami Dolphins.^[3]

Atlanta Falcons

He signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons on May 9, 1990, starting 2 games.^[4] He was named a regular starter mid-way through the next season and in 1992. He returned to a backup role in the following years.

Personal life

In March 2009, he was sentenced to four years in prison followed by six years of probation after pleading guilty to cocaine-related offences.^[5]

References