Kendricks recorded 54 tackles for loss, which matched his jersey number and ranked third all-time among Vikings linebackers behind EJ Henderson (67) and Chad Greenway (62). He also totaled 51 passes defensed, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and nine interceptions. Kendricks started all six playoff games the Vikings have played in since 2015, totaling 43 tackles, seven passes defensed and one interception.
As the stats piled up, Kendricks found more and more ways — and confidence — to speak out on behalf of social justice issues. He had regularly attended community events organized by teammates and the club before launching several initiatives to give back. Having grown up in a single-parent household, Kendricks knows authentically how hard times can be for those facing adversity.
He quietly visited the youth in Hennepin County’s juvenile detention center seven times from 2018-19 and continued virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kendricks also exchanged letters with many of the youth to encourage them.
The 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis further inspired Kendricks’ push for social justice reforms. He posted a raw video in which he emotionally challenged those who were able to help to do more. His heart to make things better for others was evident in the video and beyond.
One of the most beautiful relationships Kendricks nurtured in Minnesota was with All Square and its colleagues moving past former incarcerations with the help of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit.
This included Kendricks delivering a $250,000 check from the Vikings Social Justice Committee — part of a $5 million commitment in 2020 from the Wilf family and the Vikings — that fall.