Kevin Reilly was born in Wilmington Delaware. From early in his childhood he was an exceptional athlete. Upon entering Salesianum high school he played both football and basketball. A born leader and strong motivating force on and off the playing field, it was not surprising that he was chosen to be captain of the varsity football and basketball teams.

College

His natural leadership skills and athletic abilities secured him a full scholarship at Villanova University. Kevin was on his way to an NFL career; all the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. His ProgresS toward a career in pro football was given a boost when he was voted Villanova's MVP and selected as a first team All-East linebacker.

NFL career

Kevin's dreams came true in 1973 when he was drafted in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins. Later that year, Kevin returned to his Wilmington, Delaware home and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as captain of the squad's special teams. Tragically his NFL career was halted in 1975 when he hung up his jersey and retired from football. He had been diagnosed with a rare desmoid tumor. To halt the spread of cancer, his left arm and part of his left shoulder were amputated. After surgery, Kevin worked hard on his rehabilitation.

Life after football

He was a senior executive at Xerox for over 30 years. He is also a radio announcer for the Philadelphia Eagles on stations WYSP and WDEL. Kevin never gave up sports altogether, he is an avid runner -- one of many things people told him would be impossible after the surgery. He has been able to overcome the adversity in his life, and now works as a motivational speaker.

References

1. Mollie Plotkin. Philadelphia Sports Group LLC. Web Biography, www.philadelphiasportsgroup.com (October 20th, 2007). Retrived 2007-12-07

2. Dialog Staff. The Dialog. Salesianum inducts five into hall of fame. www.cdow.org/092007.pdf (Sept 20th, 2007) Retrieved 2007-12-07