Early years

Kearney attended Kingsford High School, before accepting a scholarship to play football at Northern Michigan University. He received Little All-American honors in 1971.

In 1982, he was inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Kearney was selected in the fourth round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who were the defending Super Bowl champions. He faced a difficult challenge in making the team, after the Cowboys drafted a total of 5 linebackers and had one of the best linebacking corps in NFL history already in place. He was waived on September 7, 1972.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers claimed him off waivers on September 11, 1972, but was waived three days later to make room for Jon Staggers.

Cincinnati Bengals

Kearney was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals on September 15, 1972. He was a special teams player while backing up Bill Bergey at middle linebacker.

On September 1, 1975, he was traded along with Bernard Jackson to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a draft choice, but the transaction was canceled after both players failed their respective physical exams and Kearney was released.

Kansas City Chiefs

He was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5, 1975 to backup Willie Lanier. He was waived on September 6, 1976, after his role was taken over by rookie Jimbo Elrod.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kearney was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13, 1976. He was inactive for one game, before being released on September 20.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals signed him in 1976 to replace an injured Greg Hartle. The team at the time was known in the media as the "Cardiac Cardinals". He became a starter at inside linebacker in the team´s 3-4 defense, leading the Cardinals in tackles in 1978 and 1980.

In 1979, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a knee injury after the fifth game of the season. He was released on May 20, 1982, after failing a physical exam with a neck injury.

Personal life

His daughter is former Miss Missouri USA Katie Kearney.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]