ABOUT DEVON KENNARD
From the NFL to an eight-figure portfolio — built on purpose.
I'm Devon Kennard — former NFL linebacker, investor, author, and founder of 42 Solutions. I spent nearly a decade in the league after being drafted by the Giants in 2014, but even during my playing days I was building something bigger off the field.
For nearly a decade I built an eight-figure portfolio of privately held real estate and passive investments — residential rentals, commercial assets, and syndications across the country. That taught me how to create income, preserve capital, and invest with long-term discipline.
Today my focus has pivoted to building and owning locally. My operating business is 42 Solutions, a licensed Arizona private lending firm — and I deploy capital across lending, income-producing property, and small businesses with staying power. I invest where I live, where I can build trust, and where I have direct influence on the outcome. Visit 42 Solutions →
MISSION & PHILOSOPHY
Most operators chase scale. I chase sovereignty.
Every decision I make runs through one test: does this preserve my autonomy and compound wealth, or does it sacrifice control for short-term gain? I don't chase trends or yield. I build long-term, protect capital first, and let disciplined underwriting compound. Scale is a means. Autonomy is the destination.
Judgment is the moat. Anyone can follow a checklist; the edge is in knowing when to flex, when to walk, and how to price risk most people can't see. That's what I've spent a decade building — and what I write about every week.
FAMILY & PURPOSE
At the heart of everything I do is my family—my wife Camille and our two daughters. They are my why and my constant reminder of what really matters. Every investment I make, every business I build, and every dollar I deploy is done with their future in mind.
To me, living well isn’t just about enjoying the moment—it’s about designing a life that lasts. I’m not trying to win the sprint. I’m playing for forever.
NFL CAREER
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2014 DRAFT PICK
174TH
CAREER LENGTH
9
TEAM CAPTAIN
2X
GAMES PLAYED
118
TOTAL TACKLES
357
SACKS
26.5
FORCED FUMBLES
4
FUMBLE RECOVERIES
6
INTERCEPTIONS
1
NFL CAREER TIMELINE
Born into the Game
Football has always been in my blood. My father, Derek Kennard, played 11 years in the NFL and started for the Dallas Cowboys in their 1996 Super Bowl-winning team. His journey inspired my own path in the sport.
High School Star
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Desert Vista High School, where I excelled on and off the field. I was a High School All-American and ranked as a top-10 football prospect nationally, graduating with a 3.9 GPA.
USC Trojan
I went on to play college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Management. My time at USC prepared me for success both on and off the field, setting the foundation for my NFL journey.
New York Giants (2014-2017)
My NFL career began in 2014 when I was selected as the 174th overall pick (5th round) by the New York Giants. I made an immediate impact, earning a starting spot my rookie season and being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on December 7, 2014.
Over four seasons, I became known for my versatility, playing both linebacker and defensive end, and recorded 203 tackles, 9 sacks, and 1 interception.
Detroit Lions (2018-2019)
In 2018, I signed with the Detroit Lions, where I had two of my best seasons. In my first year, I was named team captain and recorded 46 tackles and 7 sacks, only to surpass that the next year with 58 tackles and 7 sacks.
Off the field, I worked closely with after-school programs in Detroit, earning a nomination for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for my community efforts.
Arizona Cardinals (2020-2022)
I returned home to Arizona in 2020, signing a 3-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Playing for the Cardinals was significant for my family and me as it brought my career full circle. My father had also played for the Cardinals, making us one of only three father-son duos to play for the organization.
During my time with the Cardinals, I continued to give back to the Phoenix community, staying active in local philanthropic efforts.
Baltimore Ravens (2022)
In October 2022, I joined the Baltimore Ravens for a brief stint, spending seven weeks with the team. It was an incredible experience to play for another storied franchise.
Retirement (October 2023)
After nine incredible seasons, I officially retired from the NFL in October 2023. One of my lifelong goals was to retire on my own terms, and I’m proud to say I accomplished that. Ending my career healthy and with the success I achieved on and off the field is an honor I don’t take lightly.
ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS
NFL
Engaged with current and former players on financial education, business ownership, and real estate investing.
Limitless Expo
Speaker and panelist, educating athletes on building wealth and achieving financial freedom.
Arizona State University
Speaks on personal branding for athletes and how to navigate career transitions before, during, and after sports.
PAC
Advisory board member and speaker on financial literacy and wealth-building strategies.
State Forty Eight
Collaborative partner and supporter of Arizona entrepreneurship.
Arizona Private Lenders Association
Board member of the Arizona Private Lenders Association, representing the interests of private lenders across the state.
BiggerPockets
Published author (Real Estate Side Hustle), featured guest on podcasts, and speaker at events.
NFLPA
Speaker at NFLPA-hosted events on transitioning from football to business and investing.
USC
Earned undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Southern California.