As a player, he was a goalkeeper who played for Blackburn Rovers, appearing as their first choice keeper for both the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons before picking up a knee injury.

He signed for Norwich City in 2015 but failed to make a first team appearance and instead spent time on loan with Colchester United and Swindon Town.

[7] Midway through the 2012–13 Championship season, Kean took over the starting spot from Paul Robinson, keeping three clean sheets in wins over Derby County, Bristol City and Ipswich Town, also playing a key role in Blackburn's shock 1–0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup 5th round, keeping a clean sheet and made crucial saves that kept Blackburn in the game.

[9] After being released by Blackburn, Kean signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Premier League side Norwich City on 1 August 2015.

[15] In December 2018, Kean re-joined Mansfield Town on a short-term deal after their first choice goalkeeper, Bobby Olejnik, suffered an injury.

[16] In August 2019, at the age of 28 Kean joined Notts County as goalkeeping coach and signed on as back-up player to provide back up for Sam Slocombe and Ross Fitzsimons.