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What a Difference a Year Makes

 

by Jill Funke

There are certain traits that those from the Midwest are known for. Deep faith, close knit communities and a strong work ethic are perhaps the most common of those traits. For Larchwood native, Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Midwestern work ethic has helped him achieve success that most people can only dream about.

Born in 1978, Kyle achieved All-American honors while at West Lyon, and was named USA Today’s Player of the Year for both Iowa and the Midwest Region. Then, playing for Nebraska, Kyle was all-Big 12 Conference first-team pick by The Sporting News. At the same time, he was working on his bachelor’s degree in finance and earning an impressive 3.82 grade-point-average. With that drive and determination, it is no surprise that Kyle was named Nebraska’s Lifter of the Year three consecutive years. Other honors that his determination helped him earn included being named to the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame as a scholar and athlete. Kyle also received the St. Vincent de Paul Draddy Scholar-Athlete Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the U.S. for student athletes.

Joining the Arizona Cardinals as the 34th overall pick in the 2001 draft, Kyle’s rookie season was shortened due to injury. Knee surgery placed him on the injured reserve list for the rest of the year until he returned to the field the next year. In 2003, a torn ACL in his left knee during the preseason ended Kyle’s year before it even began. The following year was a little bit better as Kyle was able to play in every game. Then, in 2004 Kyle was a free agent. He was hoping to land a job and was concerned that his injuries would significantly lower his chances. While only three or four teams showed interest in him, the Tennessee Titans wanted to add some depth and experience to their young defensive line and signed him to a one-year contract.

When he started the season, Kyle’s goal was to work hard at practice and on every play. Now, approaching the end of the season with 10 ˝ sacks, he finds much loftier goals, such as leading the NFL in sacks. Kyle’s coaches insist on giving all of the credit for this turnaround to Kyle and the way he was raised. Almost everyone including Kyle agrees that the work ethic he learned from his dad, Doug, is what brought him to the success he is experiencing today. Titans General Manager, Floyd Reece, says that the defensive line is the hardest position to play because the players must do their best to get by a large offensive linemen weighing 330 pounds or more. Play after play, this job is exhausting, yet Kyle shows his mental and physical strength throughout the entire game.

His performance has put him in the running to play in his first Pro Bowl, which is a surprise and an honor for Kyle. Even though he prides himself on being a team player and working hard to achieve success for his fellow players, coaches and fans, he is happy to be getting individual recognition for his efforts. Teammates, who watch him give everything he has to practice, preseason or regular season games, and consider the work it took to come back from his injuries feel that Kyle deserves to play in the Pro Bowl. Players receive Pro Bowl votes from fans, players and coaches. Players and coaches will be casting their votes December 19 and 20, with the Pro Bowl teams to be announced on December 21.

Kyle admits that making the Pro Bowl would mean a lot, as he works very hard to get wins. However, with the season still in full swing, he is concentrating on playing well and helping his team succeed. Regardless of the Pro Bowl, when he looks back on 2005, he knows that he will be happy with his performance no matter what the outcome of the voting. In March, Kyle’s contract with Tennessee is up, which means he will again become an unrestricted free agent. The Titans are hoping to keep him, but are realistic about the fact that other teams will certainly be interested in him. Kyle says that he enjoys being in Tennessee and would like to stay, but will leave it up to his agent to handle so that he can concentrate his energy on the field.

This year was a stellar year in Kyle’s personal life as well. He and wife Lindsey welcomed their first child, daughter Payten, in March. Regardless of the Pro Bowl voting outcome, 2005 will definitely be the year to beat in Kyle’s life history.