Kennedy was born in Osceola, Arkansas, but grew up in the nearby town of Wilson.

He graduated from Rivercrest High School in Wilson, and attended Northwest Mississippi Community College before being awarded a football scholarship to the University of Miami, where he was named an All-American in 1989.

He switched his jersey number to 99 that season in honor of close friend Jerome Brown, and was named First- or Second-team All-Pro five times.

[9][10] Kennedy later moved to Arkansas and Orlando, Florida, where he raised his daughter Courtney and focused on her education.

His jersey number, 96, was retired by the Seahawks during a game against the New England Patriots on October 14, 2012.

[15] In the days leading up to his death, Kennedy had experienced symptoms of heart failure, including swollen legs and dizziness, which led to his hospitalization.