If someone who knew nothing about the Titans walked into Nissan Stadium this season, took a look at the Titans sideline and was asked “who is the biggest, scariest looking guy out there?” they’d probably point at the 6 foot 5 inch, 315-pound giant wearing number 66. Kevin Pamphile. If Kevin isn’t the biggest man on the Titans roster, he’s certainly near the top. Either way, his sheer size and obvious strength demand attention.
Now put yourself in my shoes. I’m a 5’9” (generously) 175-pound college intern attending my first NFL practice. I’m already completely overwhelmed. To make matters worse, my day’s task- interview Kevin Pamphile. Great. Saying I’m intimidated would be an understatement.
(Credit www.titansonline.com) As the players march off the field, I flag down Kevin and my voice cracks as I ask “can I get a minute for Titans Radio?” He replies with a head nod and trudges my way. As I stare vertically at him in an attempt to make eye contact, I ask him my first question. His response came in the softest spoken voice I’ve ever heard from a football player. So soft that it took all my self-control not to look at him and yell “SPEAK UP!” But I let him speak uninterrupted. The longer he spoke, the more I started to realize I was talking to the definition of a Gentle Giant. This demeanor was the most illustrated when he began talking about his work with helping the education of elementary aged children.
While in Tampa, Kevin helped engage local kids into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programs across 10 different elementary schools in the area through delivering books and visiting with the students. He was also principal for the day at Lanier Elementary School to assist in promoting the STEM programs. His work in the Tampa community helped earn him the Ed Block Courage Award winner which was voted on by his Buccaneer teammates.
His work didn’t stop in Tampa Bay though. Kevin Pamphile is the president of Athletes for Haiti. The Pamphile family routes are Haitian so he feels he is in a good place to step up for that community especially for children. In his role as president, he has lead back to school drives to collect supplies for students in poor areas as well as donating many materials himself. When talking about his back to school drives, Kevin said, “Every year I want to help kids and do back to school programs and support drives and get school supplies and books. I usually like to get it started around end of June or early July.” He also started the Marie Pamphile Memorial Scholarship, named after his mother who passed away in August 2016. The scholarship helps young Haitian students afford education whose families may not have the means to do so.
(Credit @KevinPamphile64 on Twitter)
When asked about if he planned to do similar work in Nashville as he did in Tampa and Haiti, Kevin didn’t hesitate to say, “I would love to be a servant to the community. I’ve been here a while and noticed how close nit the community is with the Titans and how they really love the Titans so that’s my opportunity to really go out there and serve, be an example and help out the kids in any way possible.”
What sticks out the most from Kevin, and the vast majority of charitable NFL players, is how genuine he is. There is no agent in his ear saying “do this and it will win you awards.” Instead, Kevin couldn’t care less about recognition. When I asked him what it would mean to receive a nomination such as the Walter Payton Man of the Year award he simply said, “my main view is really on the kids and getting what they deserve. That’s all that matters to me.” His concern for education and care for children was inspired by his late mother whom he named his scholarship after. After winning the 2016 Week 3 NFL Players Association Community MVP, Kevin said “The motivation behind my community work has always come from observing my mother’s giving spirit and for my reverence for God. I feel that it’s my responsibility to give back to those in need.”
By the end of my interview with Kevin, there was no more intimidation. Instead, I wanted to look around every other media member and ask “hey, have you met this guy? Why is nobody talking about him?” But that’s not what Kevin wants. He doesn’t want everybody talking about his service. All he wants to do is help. But somebody has to talk about it. So that is why Kevin Pamphile was the inspiration for the Helping Hands of the Titans.
When John Robinson went searching for an offensive lineman in free agency this offseason, it is easy to see why he went to the familiar face from his time with the Bucs. There are tons of talented offensive linemen out there who could have added depth and experience to the Titans just as Kevin Pamphile will. But Robison didn’t just add a football player. He added a member to the Nashville community.
