Kevin Rodgers isn’t returning to school this fall to finish his bachelor’s degree: He graduated magna cum laude last December with a degree in business administration in finance.
He isn’t returning to achieve milestones: The quarterback already holds Division II Henderson State’s single-season and career records for passing yards, completion percentage, pass efficiency and touchdowns.
So why is this Rockwall, Texas, native, who has accomplished so much in his 22 years, heading back to campus? It’s not just to play out his final year of eligibility. He’s also pursuing a master’s in business administration.
“I want to try to play at the next level and follow my dream, but I always have my backup plan,” Rodgers said.
Leading a huddle has taught Rodgers how to collaborate with others, which will serve him well when his playing days are over.
“You’re going to work in teams your entire life, especially in business,” he said. “That’s taught me a lot about working together and being there for each other. We bond together and teach each other about friendship and loyalty.”
Rodgers has accumulated a number of awards during his time at Henderson State. For the past two years, he’s been named the Great American Conference Male Athlete of the Year, and he also picked up GAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors in 2014.
“It’s a great conference. Everyone does a great job,” he said. “Any of these athletes could have earned that award. To think I was chosen out of all these great people, it’s humbling.”
Rodgers doesn’t expend all of his time and energy on the field or in the classroom. His work with the Baptist Collegiate Ministries, the Reddie Football Blood Drive and local humane societies earned him the captain’s spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team last year.
Should he never don a helmet carrying the star of his hometown Dallas Cowboys, he looks forward to life as a financial advisor or analyst. Whatever comes next, Rodgers insists the demands of being a student-athlete have prepared him.
“When things are going to get really busy, you need to work through that and keep a level head,” he said. “It does take that balance in life. Whether you are playing a pro sport or are in the workforce.”