At a Glance
When you’re 6-6 and 285 pounds, you’re bound to intimidate a few people. But truthfully Kyle was a little intimidated by his future wife Kristi when they first met at an FCA event in Jacksonville . “I was a bit nervous when I first talked to her,” Kyle admitted. Kristi was busy in Knoxville working on her Master’s Degree and Kyle was swamped with football, but they learned how to make time with each other utilizing the phone and e-mail. He would go up to visit every time he could and she traveled to Atlanta and Charlotte to see Kyle play against the Falcons and Panthers. When he found out that Kristi made her spiritual life a priority – he realized she was an answer to prayer. They were married shortly thereafter. When their son Kellen was born in March 2005, Kyle felt a rush of all kinds of emotions. He notes, “While women have the 9 month pregnancy period to grow attached to the child, for fathers delivery creates an immediate connection to the baby. I am so thankful Kellen was healthy, especially because he was 4 weeks premature. I can’t believe how protective I am of him. My love for him goes beyond description.” Right now Kyle loves reading to Kellen but he can’t wait to play ball with him and take him fishing. Kyle vividly remembers his own dad doing that, and he wants to pass it on. His main concern is that Kellen doesn’t grow up to be materialistic, but puts his faith in God, not money. When Kyle isn’t on the gridiron, he’s hanging out at the house loving his family or traveling and playing mini-golf. Imagine having an NFL tight end trying to putt through a windmill! Kyle knows his playing days won’t last forever, but family, faith and friends last a lifetime. So the next time you see Kyle Brady of the New England Patriots, tip your hat to him. He’s a role model for all of us.
