He attended Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida, where he was all-city and all-state on both offense (quarterback) and defense (strong safety).
He played in the same linebacking unit as future NFL player Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and was named SEC Sophomore of the Year.
He roomed with Duane Thomas in training camp, and was recognized for his special teams play as a rookie, including Super Bowl V. In 1971, he clashed with Tom Landry, after Chuck Howley was convinced to come back from retirement and gave him the position Kiner thought he deserved, forcing the team to trade him to the New England Patriots in exchange for a fourth round draft choice (#90-Robert West) on July 23.
In 1972, he was expelled from training camp by head coach John Mazur and traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for defensive lineman Bill Griffin on August 4.
[3] On January 30, 1974, he was traded to the Houston Oilers in exchange for a ninth round draft choice (#209-Ed McCartney).
He had five productive seasons and was credited by head coach Bum Phillips "for turning the Houston Oilers into winners".