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:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| College | University of Houston | NCAA Records |
| Draft Year | 2007 | NFL Draft Database |
| Draft Round and Pick | Second round, 33rd overall | NFL Draft Database |
| Position | Quarterback | Team 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:
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Games Started | 30 | Regular Season |
| Career Completions | 602 | Passing Data |
| Career Attempts | 1,057 | Passing Data |
| Completion Percentage | 57.0% | Career Average |
| TD Passes | 33 | Career Total |
| INT Throws | 24 | Career Total |
| Rushing TDs | 6 | Career 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:
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Contract Value (e.g., 2009 Cardinals) | Approximately $60 million over 6 years | Includes incentives and guarantees |
| Average Annual Salary at Peak | Estimates in the range of $10–15 million | Based 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 Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Played with Kansas City Chiefs | Final NFL season to date |
| 2014 | Released by Indianapolis Colts | Ended last active contract |
| Post-2017 | Inactive, no official retirement announced | Status 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
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2007 |
| Teams Played For | Cardinals, Eagles, Texans, Colts, Chiefs |
| Career Start | 2007 |
| Career End (Game Play) | 2017 |
| Current Status | Inactive, unsigned |
Tags: nfl, kevin-kolb, quarterback