Former Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks catches a TD, throws up the ‘W’

By Chris Kwiecinski
September 25, 2017

Lance Kendricks caught eight touchdowns during his time as a Wisconsin Badger, and he’s seems to be at it again.

This time, however, Kendricks is a member of the Green Bay Packers, and is catching touchdowns from superstar Aaron Rodgers instead of Scott Tolzien.

Kendricks played for the Badgers from 2007-2010, catching 78 passes for 1,160 yards and eight touchdowns. The 2010 season was Kendricks’ best, as he caught five touchdowns, was a finalist for the John Mackey Award and was a consensus first-team All-American at tight end.

He was taken in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, and spent his entire career there until his release in 2017.

Kendricks, who was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, also hasn’t forgotten his roots, as he threw up a “W” in reference to his Wisconsin days.

WATCH: Lance Kendricks TD score and celebration

Kendricks was signed by Green Bay during the spring of 2017, trying to revive his NFL career with the Packers in the same state he went to college.

That plan seems to be working well so far, as he’s becoming a red zone option for Rodgers, the former NFL MVP, who has a receiving corps that flaunts Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Martellus Bennett.

Video: Lance Kendricks sends message to teachers in Milwaukee

By Brian Jones

May 9, 2017

Lance Kendricks grew up in Milwaukee and he's proud of it. So with Tuesday being National Teachers Day, Kendricks decided to send a message to the teachers of Milwaukee Public Schools.

Here's a look at what Kendricks had to say.

Lance Kendricks message

Kendricks graduated from Rufus King International High School in 2006 where he a two-time all-city selection in football. Kendricks also played basketball and track, and he actually was the state runner-up in the triple jump as a junior.

Kendricks went on to play college football at Wisconsin and then was drafted by the Rams in 2011. He signed with the Packers in March.

Packers: Lance Kendricks happy to be back home in Wisconsin

Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Jason Wilde

March 15, 2017

GREEN BAY — Two things quickly became clear as Lance Kendricks’ voice crackled over the speakerphone Tuesday afternoon: The Green Bay Packers’ newest tight end is a Wisconsin kid through-and-through, and he is having a hard time containing his excitement about being back home — and playing with Aaron Rodgers, his workout pal and arguably the NFL’s best quarterback.

For Kendricks, joining the Packers after six seasons with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams was “a long time coming for me,” he said Tuesday. So long, in fact, that the first time he hit free agency, he was hoping the Packers would be interested.

They weren’t at the time, but they were after the Rams cut him last week. And now, the prodigal son believes he is where he has long felt he belonged: From his days embracing his role model status as one of the Milwaukee King High School and the City Conference’s inspiring success stories, to having taken part in a Punt, Pass & Kick competition inside the Packers’ Hutson Center practice facility as a teenager; to cherishing his time at the University of Wisconsin, to boldly wearing his Milwaukee Brewers gear — and keeping his Brewers license plate — while living in the heart of St. Louis Cardinals country.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Packers. I never knew if it was possible,” Kendricks said. “When I was a free agent (in March 2015), I spoke to my agent and I said, ‘Hey, if the Packers did have an opening, that’s definitely a team that I would be interested in looking at.’ The way everything works, it doesn’t always pan out how you want. I ended up just staying with St. Louis, (but) I just feel like this all happened for a reason and I’m glad it panned out this way.

“This is a great opportunity for me. It’s a great opportunity for the people that grew up watching me — everybody from my high school, everybody from college, and just family and friends. All my friends are huge Packers fans. So it kind of all works out, and I’m glad it all came full circle.”

After Kendricks learned of his release from Rams general manager Les Snead on Thursday — “I thought I played pretty well last year,” Kendricks said of his career-best 50 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns — the Packers wasted no time pursuing him. He woke up Friday morning to his wife, Danielle, telling him that the Packers were calling.

By Friday afternoon, he was on his way to Green Bay, and shortly after reaching a deal, he heard from Rodgers, with whom he’d been working out — along with Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, left tackle David Bakhtiari and tight end Beau Sandland — in a group of 25 or so NFL players at a gym just north of Los Angeles.

“Obviously, he’s a great guy, great person. He was actually the first person that called me after he found out I signed,” Kendricks said of Rodgers. “He just told me that he’s looking forward to working with me and we’re going to have a fun season, exciting season, and just be ready.

“The great thing is that we’re out here and I see him so I can pick his brain about things and the schemes and all that and probably run a few routes, as well, while we’re out here.”

Kendricks did his best not to disparage the quarterbacks he’s had with the Rams, but his enthusiasm about playing with Rodgers — even if he’ll be sharing the tight end pass distribution with fellow new addition Martellus Bennett and holdover Richard Rodgers — was obvious.

“No offense to those guys, but Aaron is on another level. To be able to play with a guy like him is great,” Kendricks said. “This is something that I’ve been kind of hoping for, for a while now.”

Green Bay Packers Add Lance Kendricks to Tight End Brew

A day after signing Martellus Bennett, Packers GM Ted Thompson struck again at tight end by adding Milwaukee native Lance Kendricks.

By Bill Huber

March 11, 2017

Growing up in Milwaukee, Lance Kendricks bled green and gold.

“I definitely grew up a Packers fan, so it was fun to see them win the Super Bowl,” Kendricks said at the 2011 Scouting Combine.

Now, he’ll play for his childhood team.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson struck again, adding the veteran tight end on Saturday. A day earlier, he pulled the stunning tight end switcheroo by yanking an offer from Jared Cook and signing Martellus Bennett.

“They’re excited,” Kendricks said of his family in an interview with Packers.com's Wes Hodkiewicz. “It means a lot since I grew up watching the Packers, and my family and friends, they’re all big Packers fans. It means a lot to be able to represent Green Bay and this community and this culture, and everything it stands for.”

According to agent Neil Cornrich, there was "significant" interest around the league in the former Wisconsin standout but Green Bay was Kendricks' first choice.

"It's a dream come true" for Kendricks, Cornrich said.

Kendricks and Cook were teammates with the Rams from 2013 through 2015. With Cook in Green Bay last year, Kendricks flourished in a full-time role with a career-high 50 catches. He turned those into 499 yards (10.0-yard average) and two touchdowns.

That was with rookie Jared Goff. Now, he’ll play with Aaron Rodgers — with whom he's worked out with and caught passes from at Proactive Sports in Westlake Village, Calif.

"He really loved that opportunity," Cornrich said.

Kendricks watched plenty of Rodgers on video while with the Rams.

“We’d watch a lot of film of the Packers to watch Aaron Rodgers and how he was able to get his guys open,” Kendricks said. “Not only them getting open, but him being able to separate the defender from the ball and make things happen with his feet, and extend the play, and draw the defense offside. There’s so much stuff that he does that’s really amazing and really intriguing.”

Kendricks caught about 70 percent of targeted passes in 2013 and 2014 but fell to 62.5 percent in 2015 and 57.5 percent in 2016. He also had a career-high six drops this past season, according to STATS. However, Kendricks will fit well in Green Bay's offense because he not only has experience as a traditional tight end, but split out like a receiver and in the backfield as a fullback.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Kendricks, who turned 29 in January, signed a four-year, $18.5 million contract in 2015 but was released on Thursday. He was due $4.25 million in base salary and roster bonuses in 2017 and 2018.

When he was released, Russ Ball, the Packers' vice president of football administration and team cap guru, quickly reached out, Cornrich said.

“I think we both have our own assets,” said Kendricks of Bennett. “He’s a very good down the field catcher. He’s a big target and I can work the seams, as well. With both of us out there, I think we’ll be able to create mismatches and things we’ll be able to take advantage of. There are so many weapons on this offense and to be able to contribute to it is a great feeling.”

Unlike Bennett, Kendricks won’t impact the compensatory-picks ledger because he officially was a street free agent.

The Packers are loaded at tight end with Bennett, Kendricks and Richard Rodgers. They combined for 135 receptions (55 by Bennett, 50 by Kendricks, 30 by Rodgers) and 1,471 yards (701 for Bennett, 499 for Kendricks and 271 for Rodgers) in 2016. That, of course, is assuming Rodgers remains in the picture. After the 2016 season, he received the “proven performance escalator,” which goes to third- through seventh-round draft picks who meet playing time thresholds. That meant Rodgers’ base salary went from $690,000 to $1.787 million and his cap number went from about $826,500 to $1.924 million.

Beau Sandland, an undrafted rookie last year, is the only other tight end on the roster. Looking ahead, this is considered the best tight end draft class in years. As many as eight could go in the first three rounds, a scout said. A combined seven were selected in the first three rounds the past two years.

Back to Kendricks, he's caught 204 passes for 2,132 yards (10.5) and 17 touchdowns since being a second-round pick in 2011.

At the 2011 Scouting Combine, Kendricks ran his 40 in 4.75 seconds with a 34.5-inch vertical leap.

Packers go all-in at tight end with Kendricks

By Ryan Wood

March 11, 2017

GREEN BAY – Jared Cook no longer is in the Green Bay Packers' future, but the big, athletic tight end left behind a valuable lesson in his lone season with the team.

Not until Cook returned from an ankle injury last season did the Packers' offense resuscitate. Aaron Rodgers was a different quarterback before and after Cook’s return. The Packers were a different team.

A dynamic tight end can be the centerpiece in coach Mike McCarthy’s offense. It was that way with Jermichael Finley. Same way with Cook. So general manager Ted Thompson broke from his normal routine this time of year, signing Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett on Friday.

He doubled down 24 hours later.

The Packers announced Saturday they signed Lance Kendricks, an athletic, 29-year-old receiving threat who will join Bennett to give the Packers their most dynamic tight end duo in McCarthy’s 12 seasons. Kendricks was released Thursday after six seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.



Because he was released, Kendricks was a “street” free agent and won’t count against the Packers' compensatory draft-pick formula. That’s a different distinction than Bennett, the first unrestricted free agent the Packers have signed since 2012.

Kendricks, a Milwaukee native and consensus All-American at Wisconsin, was released after a career year in 2016. He caught 50 passes for 499 yards and two touchdowns, impressive numbers considering his quarterbacks were veteran Case Keenum and rookie first-overall pick Jared Goff.

In Green Bay, Kendricks will play with two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. And he’ll have company. It’s a dramatic overhaul of the offense.

In 24 hours, the Packers added 105 catches for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016 production to the tight end position.

The two signings came after Rodgers said the Packers should go “all in” after their NFC championship game loss at Atlanta. Adding Bennett and Kendricks three days into free agency is a sign Thompson will follow suit. Importantly, the quarterback is sure to be pleased.

The Packers started free agency re-signing top sacker Nick Perry to a five-year, $60 million contract that will count only $5.85 million against the 2017 salary cap. Bennett’s three-year, $21 million contract will count only $3.85 million against the 2017 cap. Their deals left roughly $28 million in cap space, according to NFLPA numbers.

Terms of Kendricks’ contract were not immediately known.

“I know they love their tight ends and I know they love getting the ball to their tight ends,” Kendricks told the Packers' team-controlled website. “I think they’re excited to be able to utilize me because I played in so many different formations. I kind of line up all over the place. I think they’ll find something I’m really good at or a few things I’m really good at and they’ll be able to utilize that and implement that into the system.”

Right guard T.J. Lang and running back Eddie Lacy remain unsigned. Dire needs at cornerback and edge rusher also remain on the defensive side of the ball. But tight end, with its prominence in McCarthy’s offense and lack of talent and depth, was among the most pressing needs on the roster.

The Packers played most of last season with just two tight ends on their 53-man roster. When Cook missed six games because of an early ankle injury, the Packers were 2-4. Cook returned four days before Thanksgiving, helping the Packers run the table to a 6-1 finish and NFC North title.

With Cook out, Rodgers completed 63 percent of his 369 passes for 2,410 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 93.9 passer rating. In the seven games after Cook’s return, Rodgers completed almost 70 percent of his 241 passes for 2,018 yards, 18 touchdowns, no interceptions and a 120 passer rating.

“One thing no one ever keeps a stat about,” McCarthy said in late December, “is … how much attention does a player require. That’s important. So whether it’s your quarterback or a running back or a tight end that can win one-on-one, those are all the things you have to factor into his presence here. Because he runs down the middle of the field, winning a one-on-one.”

Now, the Packers have two tight ends who can stretch the middle of the field and win one-on-one battles. The Packers are expecting Bennett and Kendricks to more than duplicate Cook’s production. Bennett averaged 12.7 yards per catch last season in New England, where he received passes from Tom Brady. Kendricks, despite the Rams quarterback play, averaged 10 yards per catch.

Kendricks has played in an offense with multiple tight ends before. He was Cook’s teammate for three seasons with the Rams before Cook signed with the Packers last fall.

The Packers had entered free agency hoping to re-sign Cook and were close to a deal, but talks broke down by Friday morning. Thompson quickly recovered. First Bennett, now Kendricks.

Together, they form a dynamic tight end duo.

“I think we both have our own assets,” Kendricks said. “He’s a very good down the field catcher. He’s a big target, and I can work the seams as well. With both of us out there, I think we’ll be able to create mismatches and things we’ll be able to take advantage of. There are so many weapons on this offense and to be able to contribute to it is a great feeling.”

Reality series will follow Rams move back to Los Angeles

Lance Kendricks (right, with Todd Gurley) is one of the former St. Louis, now Los Angeles Rams who will be featured in the E! Entertainment Television reality series "Hollywood & Football," due in the fall. (Nick Wass/AP)

By Gail Pennington

July 6, 2016

With the (formerly) St. Louis Rams loading up their trucks and moving to Beverly (Hills, that is, or rather Inglewood), cable's E! Entertainment Television is turning the move into a reality show.

(Go on: picture Stan Kroenke up top in Granny's rocker. We'll wait.)

The six-episode “Hollywood & Football” will arrive this fall along with the new NFL season.

“We are excited to take viewers inside the exclusive lifestyles of these top athletes and their families as they navigate a new city, new friendships, new schools and the inevitable Hollywood gossip,” Jeff Olde, executive vice president of programming and development, said in a statement.

“E! has a track record of success with pop culture programming centered in the world of sports, and this series will capture the off the field perspective of one of football’s most anticipated and high profile events as the Rams return to LA.”

Players participating along with their families include Rodger Saffold, Chase Reynolds, Lance Kendricks, Bradley Marquez and Cory Harkey.

HBO’s “Hard Knocks” will also feature the Los Angeles Rams in training camp in its new season, beginning Aug. 9.

Rams TE Kendricks ties receiving TDs career high

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

October 26, 2014


Rams tight end Lance Kendricks made his only catch Sunday against the Chiefs count, as he recorded his fourth touchdown of the season. He now has a touchdown in three straight games.

Kendricks finished off the team's opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown reception. It gave St. Louis its only lead of the game as Kansas City rallied for a 34-7 win.

The four touchdowns ties a career high, which Kendricks managed in the previous two seasons. The Rams are back in action Week 9 at San Francisco.

Rams TE Lance Kendricks notches third touchdown

St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks, left, is congratulated after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown catch as Seattle Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright, right, walks away during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in St. Louis. The Rams won 28-26.
TOM GANNAM — AP

By Larry Hartstein

October 20, 2014

Rams tight end Lance Kendricks found the end zone for the third time in the last four games in the 28-26 win over the Seahawks. With St. Louis clinging to a 2-point lead in the fourth quarter, Austin Davis hit Kendricks for a 4-yard touchdown that proved to be the difference.

Kendricks finished with two catches on three targets for 17 yards. He'll visit Kansas City in Week 8.

Lance Kendricks wins 2013 Ed Block Courage Award

Rams Announce Team Awards
December 30, 2013


A quintet of Rams players were honored on Monday as the club announced their 2013 team awards.

In a vote amongst Rams players, Quinn received the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award, which goes to the team’s Most Valuable Player. Laurinaitis was named Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award winner and Stacy was awarded the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award, which goes to the team’s top rookie performer.

DE Williams Hayes is the Rams’ recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in recognition of Hayes’ commitment to community service. TE Lance Kendricks is this year’s winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor given to a player who had to overcome some form of adversity.

This spring, Kendricks aggressively attacked the weight room as he prepared for what he hoped would be a strong third NFL campaign. Early in the process, Kendricks suffered a knee injury, one that required surgery to repair his meniscus. The injury was expected to keep him off the field for four to six months, but Kendricks was determined to return much earlier.

Through a vigorous rehabilitation program, Kendricks was back on the practice field by the end of training camp, and when the Rams opened the season against the Arizona Cardinals, the former Wisconsin Badger was in the starting lineup for his team’s Week 1 victory. He caught 32 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Rams Celebrate Dr. Seuss by Reading to Students

March 6, 2013

By Evan Glantz


There was one Ram; there were two Rams. There were old fans; there were new fans. And all helped celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss by participating in the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day.

On Friday, quarterback Austin Davis and tight end Lance Kendricks visited Lyon Academy at Blow and Twillman Elementary School respectively to read Dr. Seuss books to students. The nation-wide program not only honors the great children’s author, but is also the largest reading celebration in the country. Its goal is to help highlight the importance of developing a love for reading at an early age. But it is not a one-sided experience.

“It’s enjoyable for me. I get a lot out of it,” Davis said. “I get to see (the students’) joy and their innocence and all those things that as you get older, you kind of forget about.”

Sporting a red-and-white-striped top hat, Davis channeled his inner Cat in the Hat as he took center stage at a school assembly. There he shared with them,Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, a book whose message of continuous learning and exploration through life was particularly applicable to the students of Lyon Academy at Blow.

“I’m happy the students were able to look up to him as a role model,” Dr. Ingrid Iskali, Lyon Academy at Blow principal, said. “It was important they understand that, yes, Austin is a quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, but he still studies and learns every day like our students here. It was a great experience for the kids to learn that you always have to work hard if you want to achieve your dreams.”

The Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration was an extension of the GO! St. Louis Read, Right & Run Marathon program, an initiative with which Lyon Academy at Blow got involved last year. The Read, Right & Run program is designed to develop reading-proficient, community-minded and physically fit children. As part of the initiative, kids “read” 26 books, “right” the community with 26 good deeds and “run” 26.2 miles over a six-month period. Iskali said that every teacher at Lyon Academy at Blow has embraced the initiative and has made it a regular part of the school day.

“It has been very successful for our children because they understand the importance of training their bodies as well as their minds,” Iskali said.

By participating in the Read, Right, & Run program, Iskali said the school has seen an increase in reading among the students because of their desire to take part in the exercise activities. For each of the 26 books students read, they must write a summary and meet with their teacher to discuss what lessons or themes are offered. In order to encourage the reading effort and participation, Lyon Academy at Blow has incorporated a 20 minute silent reading period during the school day.

“(The silent reading period) has become a part of our teachers’ lesson plans and part of the daily routine as well,” Iskali said. “Every classroom has theirs scheduled at a different time. It gives the teacher time to interact with the students and it is embedded in their schedules.”

Even with the progress that has been made during their year-long participation in the program, Iskali and her faculty know there is still work to be done. The Read, Right, & Run initiative is a project with the goal of keeping kids’ minds and bodies active long-term.

“We’re hoping the children become lifelong readers and that they keep in mind the exercise routines,” Iskali said. “As we get older, we forget about exercising. But it’s very important for them to establish the good habits now while they’re young and continue as they grow.”

Davis recognized the opportunity he had to contribute to the effort.

“As a professional athlete, we’ve been blessed with a huge platform and the ability to influence others,” Davis said. “I think it’s very important how you use that influence. No matter what you’re doing, people are watching and kids are looking up to you, whether you want them to or not. So it’s important to do your best to steer these kids in the right direction.”

At Twillman Elementary School, Kendricks had his opportunity to positively influence students. He visited two classrooms, where he read The Sneetchesto third graders and The Lorax to fifth grade students. Following each story, Kendricks took time to discuss the theme with the kids, making sure they understood the lessons offered by the book.

Kendricks’ visit was arranged by Amanda Ehll, a library media specialist at Twillman. She sent in a request to the Rams in September as she began planning for Read Across America. Throughout the entire day, various professionals visited the school to read Dr. Seuss book to the kids.

“The program is done to encourage a love of reading,” Ehll said. “I want the students to see positive role models here and know that they can achieve by reading.”
Kendricks, who lists Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as his favorite book, was happy to enhance the program.

“I didn’t expect the kids to be so rowdy and ready for me to read them a book,” Kendricks said. “But I had a lot of fun doing it and the kids were great. They asked some good questions and understood the actual meaning behind the books, which was most important.”

In addition to sharing his love of reading with the kids, Kendricks was able to answer many of their questions, which ranged from his success in the classroom to his success on the gridiron.

“I hope they look at this as an opportunity to be more mindful of paying attention in class and taking school seriously because it will take them along further in life.”

Kendricks Making Most of Varied Roles

December 24, 2012

By Nick Wagoner

After spending most of the 2012 season attached to the line of scrimmage working as a glorified sixth offensive lineman or set up in the backfield as a de facto fullback, Rams tight end Lance Kendricks has been unleashed in the passing game a bit more in recent weeks.

Never was that more evident than Sunday in Tampa Bay where Kendricks finally got the chance to again show the big play, pass catching promise he showed in the 2011 preseason that had many tabbing him as one of the next stars at the ever-growing position.

When all was said in done in the Rams’ 28-13 win against the Bucs, Kendricks had posted his first career 100-yard game, racking up 119 yards on four catches and posted an 80-yard touchdown catch that set a franchise record for the longest touchdown grab by a tight end.

“Hopefully this is the start of something great,” Kendricks said. “I am excited for the next game and hopefully years to come.”

In many ways, this whole season has been the start of something for Kendricks even if it wasn’t always as obvious in the post-game stat book as it was on Sunday.

Kendricks has proved one of the Rams’ most improved and valuable offensive pieces this year, moving all over the places and providing another stout blocker to a team that has needed his help because of so many mixed and matched offensive lines caused by injuries.

Despite spending so much time helping out blocking, Kendricks patiently waited for the chance to get back into a role as a weapon in the passing game. As a rookie in 2011, Kendricks went through more than his share of the ups and downs that go with your first year in the league.

In training camp, Kendricks said he hoped to wipe the memories of some drops and some loss in confidence away this season. According to teammates such as defensive end Chris Long, he’s seen plenty of that growth this year.

“He’s such a good player,” Long said. “I really enjoy watching him get better and just continue to work and I know there has been some adversity. He has just ignored some of the negative energy he’s gotten and he’s just turned into a positive. He’s worked his (rear) off this year and to get the breaks he’s getting and scoring touchdowns and being a deep threat that can block in the run game too, it’s really good for him.”

The results, even despite limited usage as a receiver, have been quite strong. Although the Rams don’t exactly have a long history of receivers posting big statistics since moving to St. Louis, Kendricks’ 486 receiving yards is now the best total for a tight end since the team relocated in 1995.

Additionally, Kendricks has posted 39 catches, which ranks fourth on the team, and four touchdowns, which is tied with running back Steven Jackson and cornerback Janoris Jenkins for second on the team.

Kendricks’ 80-yard touchdown broke the record for longest touchdown reception by a tight end in franchise history. That record actually stood for 55 years and was a 70-yard grab held by Leon Clarke.

Of course, that record almost didn’t come to fruition because Kendricks found himself searching for help with about 20 yards to go.

“I caught it, I looked and nobody was over there so I just took off running,” Kendricks said. “I noticed they were catching up to me, I started getting tired.”

On Jackson’s touchdown run earlier in the game, Kendricks had actually been hit on his hip, which didn’t help him maintain top speed for the entirety of the run. But from the sideline, the sight of Kendricks trying to finish the run brought some chuckles, at least after it was over.

“I couldn’t really see it,” quarterback Sam Bradford said. “To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting him to score. I was expecting him to get tackled.”

Long did, too.

“I saw the piano jump on his back about the 20,” Long said, laughing.

Kendricks found himself searching for help and got it as receiver Danny Amendola came darting into the picture seemingly out of nowhere.

“I saw Danny coming and I thought ‘OK, Danny is coming, I can stop, take a step back and try to go around him,’” Kendricks said. “That’s what I ended up doing.”

Amendola took out the final two Bucs defenders standing in Kendricks’ way and he finished the run with a dive into the end zone for the score, the first time in his young career he’s scored touchdowns in back to back games.

“I went over to him on the bench and I think he needed some oxygen afterwards,” Bradford said.

Coach Jeff Fisher was proud of Kendricks for finishing the run but also what happened after.

“What I was impressed with was he came right back and went right back in the game,” Fisher said. “Tight ends don’t run, as a rule, as fast as defensive backs or wide receivers so for him to get there with a little help was impressive.”

On a more serious note, the Rams appear to have found something with Kendricks in the passing game, particularly with seam routes down the middle of the field.

Kendricks had a huge catch on the team’s game winning drive at Buffalo on Dec. 9 and a big touchdown grab against Arizona on Nov. 25. Those two plays plus Sunday’s long scoring catch all came on similar play-action passes that fake a handoff to Jackson and allow Kendricks to use his speed and athleticism to stress the defense down the middle.

“That play has been money for us,” Jackson said. “That play has been a great play for us. Lance had a big play like that in Arizona on the same play and we are reaping the benefits of it. He’s doing a good job.”

Even if the play results in Kendricks needing oxygen, his work in 2012 should allow the Rams to breathe easy about their future at a position that’s long craved consistency.

Kendricks hits two milestones with one catch

By Jim Thomas

December 24, 2012

TAMPA, FLA. • Since relocating to St. Louis in 1995, the Rams haven’t been known for stellar tight end play in the passing game. In that 1995 season, Troy Drayton’s 47 catches for 458 yards have stood as highs at that position for the Rams in St. Louis.

With 39 catches and just one game left this season, second-year man Lance Kendricks probably won’t get to Drayton’s 47 catches. But thanks to his 80-yard TD catch Sunday to open the third quarter — the longest reception by a tight end in franchise history — Kendricks has overtaken Drayton in yards.

With four catches for a career-high 119 yards Sunday’s in the Rams’ 28-13 victory over Tampa Bay, Kendricks has 486 yards receiving this season.

“He’s such a good player,” Rams defensive end Chris Long said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching him get better, just continue to work. I know there’s been some adversity, and he just has ignored some of the negative energy (i.e. criticism) he’s gotten. And he’s just turned it into a positive.

“He’s worked his (butt) off this year. To see him get the breaks he’s getting and scoring touchdowns, and being a deep threat who can block, too, in the run game, it really is great for him.”

Although he has kept playing, Kendricks has been slowed by a knee injury since the Nov. 18 loss to the New York Jets. He also took a shot to the hip while blocking on Steven Jackson’s 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Tampa, further limiting his mobility.

Nonetheless, he got no mercy from his teammates after a lumbering finish to the TD.

“I saw the piano jump on his back at like the 20,” Long chuckled.

Quarterback Sam Bradford jumped on the pile as well.

“I went over to him on the bench and I think he needed some oxygen afterwards,” Bradford said.

Kendricks was so much in the clear for most of the run, it was almost as if he wondered — Where is everybody?

“After about 40 yards, I was gassed,” Kendricks confessed.

Kendricks Filling Many Roles

November 30, 2012

By Nick Wagoner

Unsure if he was even going to play because of a knee injury that limited him in practice last week, Rams tight end Lance Kendricks not only played but contributed in important fashion to the team’s win against Arizona.

Included in Kendricks’ performance was a 37-yard touchdown catch in which he got open over the middle and delivered a vicious stiff arm to safety Kerry Rhodes as he rolled to the end zone for his second career touchdown catch.

That was it for Kendricks in terms of his contribution in the aerial attack but right now, it’s everything he’s doing, especially as a blocker, that has coach Jeff Fisher excited about his progress.

“He’s really improved,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s very, very strong at the point of attack. That’s why we’re using some of the wham blocks on the defensive linemen. He’s very effective there. He’s getting open. He’s completing the catch and he’s running after the catch, so it’s good to see him progressing like that.”

With injuries all along the offensive line early in the season, Kendricks’ role as a blocker has expanded while he hasn’t been as prominent as a receiver. He embraced that role and provided a solid blocker attached to the line of scrimmage.

In recent weeks, Kendricks has showed his versatility by moving into the backfield and working as a de facto fullback capable of lead blocking when necessary.

Checking in at 6’3, 243 pounds, Kendricks doesn’t necessarily look the part of a dominant blocker but his strength more than makes up for what he lacks in size. Combine that with his willingness to do whatever it takes to be on the field and Kendricks is the offense’s premiere Swiss Army Knife right now.

“I have embraced it,” Kendricks said. “Each week is different and I take on different challenges and different roles but I do a lot of things from the backfield but I take it as it comes and I try to excel in it so I can do something better and have a different challenge every week. I don’t mind playing fullback and lining up in the backfield.”

For Kendricks, his more recent turn as a fullback isn’t uncharted territory. In college at Wisconsin, Kendricks played under offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who actually employs a system similar to the one used by Rams offense coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Kendricks didn’t do much of it in last year’s offense but it’s been a bit like riding a bike for him as he gets used to being in the backfield again.

As evidence of that, Kendricks even goes so far as to say that he would take a powerful block – like the one that sprung running back Steven Jackson for a touchdown against San Francisco – as quick as he’d take a touchdown catch like the one from last week.

“It’s about the same,” Kendricks said. “If you do a good job at the point of attack, especially on running plays, I think that’s just as noticed as a touchdown or something like that.”

Because of Kendricks’ extended work as a blocker, he hasn’t been as involved in the passing game but that could change over the season’s final five weeks.

Buoyed by an offensive line that may not need as much help now that the original starting five is working together for the first time since the season opener, Kendricks believes he could be more of a threat in the passing game, especially when his knee is fully healed.

“I think each week as we get guys healthy, we got Scott (Wells) back last week, that opens up opportunities for me to maybe make some more plays down the field such as the one last week and hopefully more to come,” Kendricks said. “I was a little limited last week because of the knee so I really couldn’t get as involved in the passing game as I would have liked. Hopefully this week I will be feeling better and I can run a few more routes.”

No matter how the Rams choose to use him, Kendricks is in a far different place than he was a year ago as a rookie. Brimming with belief that he can be an impact player in the league on a consistent basis, he believes he’s starting to round into the type of all around tight end that winning teams all seem to have.

“I think I’m in a good place,” Kendricks said. “I have a really good understanding of the offense and what we try to accomplish every week. I think I am a lot more confident mentally and I think I am better prepared in general this year than last year.”

Rams TE Kendricks coming on strong

St. Louis Rams' Lance Kendricks (88) fends off Arizona Cardinals' Kerry Rhodes (25) for a touchdown during the first half in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. Photo: Ross D. Franklin / AP

By Dan Arkush

November 21, 2012

In the midst of a significant team-wide slump, our Rams sources agree that one of the few positives has been the steady improvement of second-year TE Lance Kendricks, who has become a valuable force both as a receiver and as a blocker.

It’s Kendricks’ sudden blocking expertise — which last season seemed to be surprisingly lacking from a player coming out of the University of Wisconsin, a school known for cranking out quality run blockers — that has stood out the most in his sophomore season.

So much so that the team deemed Brit Miller, the only pure fullback on the roster, expendable with the need to open up a roster spot for Scott Wells, fresh off the injured reserve/designated for return list and reportedly ready and raring to finally settle into the team’s starting center role.

Kendricks and newly promoted TE Cory Harkey will be expected to in effect share FB-type duties moving forward.

“He’s really stood out as a blocker, especially in the tie against the Niners,” one daily team observer said of Kendricks. “On the first TD in the game by (RB Steven) Jackson, he just totally wiped out (49ers NT) Isaac Sopoaga.”

But the strides Kendricks continues to make as a receiver, consistently catching more than 70 percent of the passes thrown in his direction (he has between 2-4 catches each of the last five games), should not be overlooked, as he poses an increasingly versatile cog for an offense that remains a real work in progress.

“If you throw the ball his way, he usually brings it down,” the observer said. "He’s fast, but he’s not Vernon Davis fast, and he still needs to do a better job gaining yards after the catch. But the key drops that he made as a rookie are all but gone. His hands have become a lot more dependable.”

St. Louis Rams: The Lance Kendricks Show

By Eric Nagel

November 14, 2012

After a string of dropped passes and opportunities, Lance Kendrick is finally starting to put things together, quietly turning into a reliable blocker and receiver.

It hasn't been an easy road for Lance Kendricks so far this year. He was expected to be a primary target in Brian Schottenheimer's offense; merely as a Dustin Keller clone if nothing else. At first, he struggled with catching the ball, souring his chance to become a legitimate threat for Sam Bradford.

Then Danny Amendola went down, and he started to take advantage of his opportunities. I'll be highlighting some key plays he made in the San Francisco game, but before we do, take a look at his numbers:



After looking at that table, you'll notice one thing- he really didn't do much in the first quarter of the season. Ten receptions for 88 yards off of 15 targets. Besides the Chicago game, he had a mere two targets every game. That isn't exactly someone who is featured prominently in the offense.

But then Amendola went down, and Kendricks stepped up:




Sure, he only had three more receptions (in one less game), 13 to be exact. Sure, he only had 125 yards (again, in one less game). Not only that, but he's getting nearly twice as many looks per game.

Given how inconsistent the team is on offense, it's startling to see how Kendricks has improved so quickly. His hands still may be an issue, but he's becoming an asset in the passing game. In fact, he was the second most targeted player with Amendola in the game against SF. He had a critical fourth down conversion, a twelve yard reception on a desperation pass by Sam Bradford and a clutch 17 yard grab, seen here:



This is a bang, bang play. Kendricks snags the ball, secures it, and then proceeds to get hit hard. This is by no means an easy catch, but he hauls it in anyway. These are the type of plays that drive the offense. Not every play has to be a home run, but when you have a tight end who can block, allowing the team to gain good yardage on the ground, then go out and snag a 17 yard completion, you have the makings of a dangerous offense. Kendricks is tall, strong and athletic. If he's a reliable option in your passing game, that creates mismatches. Mismatches are good.

While he isn't blowing up the stat sheets, 30-50 yards per game (480-800 yards a season for those wondering what a whole year would look like) is impressive for a second year tight end. It's even more impressive when you consider how stellar Kendricks has been while blocking. Check out his kick-out block against the 49ers, which helped propel Darryl Richardson to the longest run of the day (by either team, no less).



His block isn't the most dominating performance (from a visual perspective, at least to me), but it's clearly the best on the right side. It's also arguably the most important, because it allows Richardson to hit the hole at full speed, clearly his greatest strength, maximizing the run. It's fundamental, unsexy football. Make your blocks, catch passes. Kendricks has been doing both of these things well in recent weeks.

If Kendricks doesn't make that block, then Richardson doesn't get that 32 yard run, period. Plays like this add up. I know it doesn't look like he's playing up to his second round status, but he's making the most out of every play, catch or not. He also had a crucial block during Steven Jackson's touchdown run. People say the blocking isn't enough to justify his high draft pick, but they may want to think about it again after realizing how much he helped the team against the 49ers.

He may not be a top ten receiver like Danny Amendola, but his blocking ability and occasional receiving skills (that have markedly improved) have made him a reliable #2 option for Sam Bradford. You won't be confusing him with Jimmy Graham, but make no mistake, Kendricks is a featured member of this offense. The trouble is, you just don't realize how much of an impact he really makes.

Rams' Kendricks is keeping busy

St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks is congratulated by Daryl Richardson, left, after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis.

BY JIM THOMAS

October 10, 2012

After catching a 7-yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford, tight end Lance Kendricks gave a matter-of-fact hug to running back Daryl Richardson and center Robert Turner in the end zone. End of celebration.

In short, Kendricks acted like he'd been there before.

Actually, he has, but he hasn't. In two preseasons with the Rams, the 2011 second-round pick has scored four TDs. But his grab against Arizona marked his first touchdown in the regular season.

"Long time coming, but hopefully there's a lot more," Kendricks said.

In some ways, Kendricks has been a victim of his stellar rookie preseason, when he led the Rams in catches (11), yards (155), and TD catches (three). He made it look easy that August and looked like a star in the making.

But once the regular season started, he had some costly drops, a couple of which would have resulted in touchdowns. For a while, it looked like he might have lost some confidence. But then in Game 5, in Green Bay, he caught four passes for 71 yards, including a long of 45 yards.

Although lost in the din of a fifth straight loss, Bradford's high-ankle sprain, and even the Cardinals-Brewers baseball playoff series, it looked like Kendricks might be settling in as a pass-catching threat.

But the very next day, the Rams traded for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, and that meant fewer pass-catching opportunities for everybody. Over the final 11 games of 2011, Lloyd was targeted nearly 11 times a game. Kendricks went from being targeted 5½ times a game before the Lloyd trade to just 3.2 times a game.

Factored in as well around midseason was that Kendricks missed one game entirely and was slowed in a few others by a mid-foot sprain. Long story short — fans, media, and coaches never got to see if Kendricks could approach that preseason form.

"It was the kind of adversity you go through in a season," Kendricks said. "We were losing games, and things got almost desperate if you want to say it. But you keep learning and you keep trying to pick the brains of those around you.

"You keep trying to work on your technique. You try to get better as a player. Even though the stats aren't showing up on the board, you can still run a good route, you can still pass block, whatever."

Chalk it up to experience, or lack thereof, as a rookie.

"I think I definitely learned a lot," Kendricks said. "I think I had a lot on my shoulders. A lot I wasn't able to overcome, but I tried to control what I could do. And I just tried to play as hard as I could for the time that I was on the field."

During the offseason, Kendricks worked on getting yards after the catch. During the six-week break between the spring practice period and the start of training camp, he also worked on his conditioning, endurance and focus back home in Milwaukee with something called "hot yoga." It's yoga done indoors with the thermostat turned up to 90 degrees.

"Ninety degrees for 90 minutes," Kendricks said. "It's a big room with a lot of people in it, so it gets real hot. So you do the poses and try to stay in there. It's supposed to cleanse you, and when you come out you're supposed to feel more refreshed and more focused and all that good stuff."

He did it twice a week, with a group that included lots of college students and mothers.

"I kind of just tried it on my own," he said. "I read a couple articles about it. And I learned other players and other athletes did it. They were less injury-prone and more flexible."

Kendricks started 2012 with a solid preseason (five catches for 78 yards and TD). Once the regular season hit, he dropped a couple of catchable balls against Chicago, as well as one against Arizona. But they were all shorter passes and weren't drive-stoppers or TD-killers.

"The one where I kind of back-shouldered it (against Arizona), nine times out of 10 I make that catch," Kendricks said. "It's kind of frustrating, but it's like, you know, move on. Move on and play the next play."

Otherwise, Kendricks has caught just about everything thrown his way. He has been targeted only 15 times so far this season but has 10 catches, the third-highest total on the team behind Danny Amendola's 32 receptions and Brandon Gibson's 13.

The Rams would like to see Kendricks improve on his "out-of-frame" catching — balls where he has to reach out for the football. But otherwise there are no complaints.

"He's been playing very well," coach Jeff Fisher said. "His blocking, I think that goes unnoticed. But I was happy that he was able to make that (touchdown) catch. He made a big catch for us (against Seattle) to keep a drive alive down the middle part of the field, so he's coming on. Rob (Boras) is working with him, doing a good job with him. It's hard to take him off the field because of his ability."

Boras is the Rams' tight ends coach.

Kendricks has participated in about 85 percent of the team's offensive snaps this season. In three of the Rams' five games, only the starting offensive linemen and quarterback — who almost never leave the game barring injury — have played more snaps on offense.

Because of the injury situation on the offensive line and protection issues, Kendricks has stayed in to block on numerous pass plays. Would he like to get the ball more?

"Who doesn't?" Kendricks said. "It'll come. We've got a ton of season left. I'm not worried about that."

And with the injured Amendola out for a month or two, Kendricks could help pick up the slack.

Lance Kendricks Continues To Dominate St. Louis Rams Offense

The St. Louis Rams' rookie tight end Lance Kendricks has become Sam Bradford's favorite target.

By Dan Moore

Sep 2, 2011 - Lance Kendricks continued to serve as Sam Bradford's favorite target in the St. Louis Rams' new offense Thursday, catching three balls for 73 yards and his third touchdown of the preseason to consolidate his position as the Rams' top receiving option. The Rams rookie, who was seen by some as an overdraft when he went in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, has looked like a perfect fit for Josh McDaniels's offense so far. He's got 11 receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns in four games; only Brandon Gibson, whose 83-yard touchdown reception sort of skews things, and Donnie Avery have accrued 100 receiving yards.

Kendricks's performance comes as McDaniels seems ready to emphasize the role of the tight end in the Rams' offense, and with Michael Hoomanawanui fragile at best and Fendi Onobun not ready to start by any stretch of the imagination a strong start will be crucial for McDaniels's plan to work.

Lance Kendricks is Rams' leading receiver

Kendricks finding his groove with Rams

BY BILL COATS

August 30, 2011

Unlike many of the better inner-city athletes in Milwaukee, Lance Kendricks turned down the option of attending high school in the suburbs, where the caliber of football was considerably better.

Kendricks also was seeking a good education, so he stuck it out at King High. The football wasn't great, he acknowledged. "As far as running a real offense similar to a college-style offense, it kind of lacks a little bit," he said.

The academics were top-notch, though. Today, Kendricks holds a degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin and is two classes short of receiving a second diploma, in economics. Some day, he'd like to dabble in real estate; he loves watching HGTV.

And, oh, by the way, he's off to an impressive start in his NFL career with the Rams.

Asked what he's seen so far of Kendricks, coach Steve Spagnuolo said, "A lot. He's a versatile guy. He's moving around at a lot of different spots. And the other thing, unless I'm missing something, I don't think he's missed a rep of practice. That's a credit to him and the way he prepared himself."

The Rams drafted the 6-foot-3, 247-pound Kendricks in the second round (No. 47 overall) of the draft. He was the second tight end selected, just four spots behind Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph, who went to Minnesota.

The notion of bringing Kendricks along slowly evaporated when fellow tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui (concussion) and Fendi Onobun (groin) missed time early in camp with injuries. Onobun is back, but Hoomanawanui is out with a calf strain.

"There's been a lot of playbook thrown at" Kendricks," Spagnuolo noted.

"They kind of threw me in there," Kendricks said. "I was able to learn on the job and take a big leap and kind of land on my feet."

Admittedly a bit overwhelmed early in training camp, Kendricks said he's become more comfortable with his duties in new coordinator Josh McDaniels' offense.

"It's definitely getting better," Kendricks said. "The plays are getting more familiar. It's kind of like, 'OK, now I'm getting into the groove of it.'"

The results back that up: After three preseason games, Kendricks is the Rams' leading receiver, with eight catches for 82 yards. He's scored two touchdowns, also a team high.

"We practice so uptempo and so hard, I think by game time it's kind of calmed down," he said. "It's just like practice; nothing's really crazy. I don't really get nervous during the game."

Kendricks played basketball his freshman and sophomore years at King, and twice placed in the state track meet in the triple jump. He chose Wisconsin over Louisiana State and Arkansas despite the Badgers' run-first approach on offense.

At the time, Kendricks was a wide receiver, and he'd observed the success that St. Louisan Brandon Williams and Jonathan Orr were having at wideout for Wisconsin. "They were doing really well," Kendricks said. "So at the time my mind-set was, if I can come and be a big factor as a wide receiver, I can probably make a difference."

He also wanted to stay near home, so that his father, Leon, a retired machinist, his mother, Linda, a secretary in the Milwaukee public schools central office, and his three older brothers, Leon, Landon and Donte, could follow his career closely.

When he was switched to tight end, Kendricks didn't know what to make of it at first. But he became the fourth Badgers tight end in the last five years to be drafted, following Owen Daniels (Houston, 2006), Travis Beckum (New York Giants, '09) and Garrett Graham (Houston, '10).

Kendricks was a consensus All-Big Ten Conference performer as a senior, when he caught 43 passes for 663 yards, the third-highest total in the nation among tight ends.

He also developed into a solid in-line blocker. "You can't step on the field (at Wisconsin) unless you know how to block," Kendricks said. "A lot of the techniques carry over. I'm glad I'm able to use a lot of that stuff now."

And his background at wideout eased the transition to tight end.

"It helps me a ton," he said. "I can use a lot of what I learned playing wide receiver. And just watching the wide receivers here on film, I can kind of take some of their tools and use them for myself."

So, the shift from Wisconsin to the Rams hasn't been as dramatic as Kendricks might have guessed.

"It's pretty similar," he said. "Here, you also have the mentality of, you have to establish the run first; in that way, it's the same. But also here, it's more creative with the passing game. That's where it gets a little different.

"I'm trying to get adjusted to it, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job so far."

Lance Kendricks Impressive In Rams Debut

Rams rookie tight end Lance Kendricks had an impressive debut for the Rams, catching a touchdown pass from Rams QB Sam Bradford.

By J. Rudd

August 15, 2011

Many NFL experts and fans shook their head in confusion when the St. Louis Rams selected tight end Lance Kendricks out of Wisconsin in this past season's NFL Draft. The Rams already had a promising young tight end on the roster in Michael Hoomanawanui.

But in the Rams impressive 33-10 trouncing of the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night at the Edward Jones dome in St. Louis, Kendricks showed everyone why the Rams coveted him so much.

Kendricks, making his NFL preseason debut, caught five passes for 47 yards, including a touchdown reception thrown by Rams standout quarterback Sam Bradford.

Kendricks showed the ability to get open in the middle of the field, run with burst after the catch, and an the strength to overpower smaller defensive backs in the "Red Zone."

Kendricks and Hoomanawanui figure to see plenty of time on the field together this season as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels builds his offense around the tight ends, running back Steven Jackson, and of course Sam Bradford.

Kendricks also figures to be an above average blocking tight end, considering he played his collegiate ball at run-first Wisconsin.

Kendricks certainly flashed some of his skills in his first NFL contest and Rams fans hope that drafting the tight end in the second round pays off in a big way for the Rams organization.

Lance Kendricks: making a name for himself

August 8, 2011

The Rams have struck gold in the second round, acquiring Pro-Bowl-caliber talent in 2009 and 2010's drafts in James Laurinaitis and Rodger Saffold. They may have done it again with Lance Kendricks.

Prior to the draft, "Tight End" was somewhere down near "kicker" and "new equipment manager" in our pre-draft position rankings, so it was a huge (and not necessarily pleasant) surprise when Kendricks' name was called by the Rams. Add to that confusion that the initial announcements called him a "fullback"...

Now though, his positional versatility is becoming the talk of camp. Kendricks has lined up and carried the ball as an upback, blocked for the running game as both an H-back and a true tight end, lined up in the slot and split wide with equal verve. And his ability to shed blocks and get vertical in a hurry, combined with his soft hands, is drawing a lot of attention from camp attendees.