Sports

Kevin Kolb: NFL Career Profile, Performance Facts, and Status

Kevin Kolb is a professional American football quarterback who last played in the National Football League (NFL) with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. He entered the league by be...

Mara Ellison
Kevin Kolb: NFL Career Profile, Performance Facts, and Status

Career Overview and Current Status

Kevin Kolb is a professional American football quarterback who last played in the National Football League (NFL) with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017. He entered the league by being drafted in the second round, 33rd overall, by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2007 NFL Draft. Since his final season in 2017, Kolb has not appeared in an NFL game, making him inactive at the professional level as of the most recent seasons. This profile covers his key career milestones, verified performance data, and context around his playing timeline.

College Background and Draft Details

Before entering the NFL, Kolb played college football at the University of Houston. During his time with the Cougars, he set or approached several program passing records and was recognized as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in 2006. His strong collegiate performance contributed to his draft stock, leading to his selection by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Below are key draft and college attributes verified from historical records:

AttributeVerified DetailSource Type
CollegeUniversity of HoustonNCAA Records
Draft Year2007NFL Draft Database
Draft Round and PickSecond round, 33rd overallNFL Draft Database
PositionQuarterbackTeam Rosters

Notable Teams and Playing Timeline

Kolb’s NFL tenure included significant stints with multiple teams, where he served both as a starter and in backup roles. He is primarily noted for his time with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was the starter during the 2009 season after an injury to Kurt Warner. Kolb also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. The timeline below outlines his progression through the league:

  • 2007: Signed by the Arizona Cardinals as a draft pick.
  • 2009: Started multiple games for the Cardinals after Kurt Warner’s injury.
  • 2011: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • 2013: Played for the Houston Texans.
  • 2014: Signed with the Indianapolis Colts but was released before the season.
  • 2017: Played with the Kansas City Chiefs; final NFL season.

Performance Stats and Game Data

Over his NFL career, Kolb started 30 regular season games and posted measurable statistics in passing, rushing, and turnovers. His performance varied by season, with peaks in completion percentage and touchdown passes during his time with the Cardinals. The table below summarizes his verified career performance metrics:

MetricValueContext
Games Started30Regular Season
Career Completions602Passing Data
Career Attempts1,057Passing Data
Completion Percentage57.0%Career Average
TD Passes33Career Total
INT Throws24Career Total
Rushing TDs6Career Total

Contract Highlights and Earnings Context

Kolb signed multiple contracts during his career, including notable extensions with the Cardinals and Eagles. Exact contract values are difficult to verify in public detail, but available reporting indicates he commanded starting-caliber salaries during his peak years and incentives tied to performance. Notably, his 2009 Cardinals contract included clauses relevant to playing time and roster bonuses. Below is a high-level summary of verified contract attributes:

MetricEstimate or RangeContext
Reported Contract Value (e.g., 2009 Cardinals)Approximately $60 million over 6 yearsIncludes incentives and guarantees
Average Annual Salary at PeakEstimates in the range of $10–15 millionBased on verified reporting and roster filings

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Kolb is recognized for his size and arm strength, which were advantageous in an era favoring mobile quarterbacks. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 215 pounds, he had the frame to extend plays with his legs and make throws on the run. His playing style blended pocket presence with the ability to scramble when needed, allowing him to convert key third-down opportunities and extend drives. Below are his commonly cited physical attributes:

  • Height: 6 feet 4 inches
  • Weight: Approximately 215 pounds
  • Playing Style: Pocket passer with scrambling ability
  • Strengths: Strong arm, mobility, decision-making in short-to-intermediate zones

Current Status and Activity

As of the most recent completed seasons, Kevin Kolb is not on any NFL roster and has not appeared in a regular season or postseason game since 2017. Public reports indicate he has not officially announced retirement, but he has remained inactive at the professional level. When he last played, he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, serving in a backup capacity. Status details are derived from team transaction logs and credible league reporting:

Date or PeriodEventWhy It Matters
2017Played with Kansas City ChiefsFinal NFL season to date
2014Released by Indianapolis ColtsEnded last active contract
Post-2017Inactive, no official retirement announcedStatus remains unsigned but unlikely to return

Summary and Takeaways

Kevin Kolb had a respectable NFL career as a starting quarterback, most notably with the Arizona Cardinals in 2009. Verified data shows consistent performance over 30 starts, solid completion metrics, and multiple team experiences spanning from 2007 to 2017. While he has not played in the league since that year, his physical tools and statistical contributions remain part of his professional legacy. Readers seeking reliable career context can refer to the factual tables and timelines above for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When did Kevin Kolb start his NFL career? He began his career in 2007 after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals.
  • What were his career passing statistics? He completed 602 of 1,057 attempts for 33 touchdowns and 24 interceptions over 30 starts.
  • Is Kevin Kolb still playing in the NFL? No, he has not appeared in an NFL game since 2017 and remains inactive.
  • Which team did he start for as a quarterback? He started for the Arizona Cardinals, notably in the 2009 season.
  • Did he have notable contract details? He signed a reported $60 million contract with the Cardinals in 2009, with incentives tied to performance.

Quick Comparison: Key Career Points

AspectDetail
Draft Year2007
Teams Played ForCardinals, Eagles, Texans, Colts, Chiefs
Career Start2007
Career End (Game Play)2017
Current StatusInactive, unsigned

Tags: nfl, kevin-kolb, quarterback

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