[6] Kendall helped lead the 1934 Kentucky State Thorobreds to an undefeated season and consensus black college football national championship selection;[7] the program was also named champion by some selectors in 1933 and 1935.

In December 1935, the Thorobreds defeated Florida A&M in that season's Orange Blossom Classic;[8] coverage of the game highlighted "Kendall with his sure arm, shooting bullet-like passes all over the field.

[12][13][14] In September 1938, Kendall played on an all-star team against the Chicago Bears in an exhibition game at Soldier Field.

He first taught in Harlan, Kentucky,[16] interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II.

[18] Kendall died on November 25, 1965, at Owensboro Daviess County Hospital, a month after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident on U.S. Route 60 near Garfield, Kentucky.