Drew Kendall reflects on relationship with his father, impact on career

For Drew Kendall, putting on that Boston College jersey is a special feeling, since his dad is a former BC legend whose footsteps are being followed by his son.

Heading into his senior season now, Drew Kendall is one of the leaders of the team, and was even selected as one of several BC representatives to go to ACC Media Days this past week. While fielding questions there, one reporter brought up his father and asked what it means to put on the same jersey his dad once wore.

“Yeah, definitely, I was really excited about BC football growing up. I grew up going to games,” said Kendall, who revealed that the moment of finally putting on the jersey for the first time was quite a feeling.

“It was really special when I first got that offer, visualizing wearing that 66 at Boston College with ‘Kendall’ on the back, it’s really special. I enjoy it every day. It’s special for me and my dad. It’s been a great experience.”

Kendall was then asked just how much influence his father has had on his football career. Of course, the BC O-lineman answered that the impact has been profound.

“He’s coached me ever since I put on pads,” said Kendall. “He didn’t let me play until fourth grade, which was earlier than he would have liked, to be honest. I started playing in fourth grade. That’s when he was retired so that he could coach me.”

Ever since, it’s been Pete coaching Drew up.

“He coached me from fourth grade up until my senior year of high school. I’ve been truly lucky to have him as a coach,” said Kendall. He notes that his father is a great tool to have as a mentor, especially with him having played in the NFL for over a decade.

“He’s incredibly experienced, knows everything about football, especially offensive line play. Just being able to pick his brain back then and especially now when I go home, all we talk about is football. That’s great. That’s all I want to talk about.”

There’s no doubt how important his father has been in his career, says Drew Kendall. “He’s been huge in my development.”

Pete Kendall was an All-Big East performer in the mid-1990s back in his playing days at Boston College, and was selected in the 1996 NFL draft. Spanning several different teams, Kendall completed a 12-year NFL career and last played for Washington in 2008.