Kadziel attended Pomona Catholic High School, where he practiced football and baseball.
He was drafted as a catcher by the Minnesota Twins after graduation, but turned down the signing bonus to play college football.
He became a starter, posting 56 tackles and 2 interceptions, even though he was limited with a pulled thigh muscle that he suffered in mid-season.
Kadziel was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round (129th overall) of the 1971 NFL draft.
[2] He started the season opener at weakside linebacker against the Cincinnati Bengals, but was demoted afterwards in favor of Ron Acks.