Kearse played college football for the San Jose Spartans, leading all of NCAA Division I-A in receptions in 1981.
Born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, Kearse graduated from William Penn Senior High School.
[5] Kearse signed with the NFL's Detroit Lions in 1986 but was placed on injured reserve late in the preseason due to a thumb sprain.
[6][7] In 1987, Kearse made his NFL debut with the Indianapolis Colts as part of a replacement roster that was signed due to a players' strike.
From 1991 to 1993, Kearse was offensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Victoria Rebels of the British Columbia Junior Football League.