Devon Kennard’s career has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in AZ, the former NFL linebacker grew up with football in his blood—his father, Derek Kennard, played in the league before him. After nearly a decade in the NFL, most notably on the Lions and Cards, Devon made a seamless transition into real estate, leveraging his passion for investing to create lasting wealth for himself and others.
You grew up in Arizona and eventually came full circle, finishing your football career with the Cardinals. What was that experience like?
It was surreal. Not many guys get to play professionally in their hometown, so being on the Cardinals was extra special. Plus, it helped me build relationships off the field, especially in real estate, which I had already been investing in while playing.
What was your most memorable moment in the NFL?
Getting drafted, without a doubt- you dream about it as a kid. But if I had to pick a specific game, it would be playing against the Giants—my former team—when I was with the Lions. I had a fumble recovery off a pass to Saquon Barkley and ran it in for a touchdown. The other big one was sacking Kyler Murray three times in his first game in Arizona. That was a proud hometown moment.
How did you transition from football to real estate?
I always knew football wouldn’t last forever. Seeing my dad’s career end made me realize early on that I needed a plan. I started investing in real estate while I was still in the league, so by the time I retired, I didn’t have to start from scratch. I was already set up.
What’s your main focus now in real estate?
I’m a private lender and investor. I lend to people doing real estate projects, helping them scale their businesses while also building my own portfolio. I'm really hands-on, especially in Scottsdale and Arcadia.
Three lessons football taught you that apply to real estate?
- Relationships matter. Who you know and how you treat people is everything.
- Work ethic. No one will outwork me—whether on the field or in real estate.
- Play the long game. Just like in football, success in real estate isn’t overnight. It’s about consistency and strategy.
You’ve also written two books. What’s your latest one about?
Real Estate Side Hustle is for high-net-worth individuals who want to build wealth through real estate while still focusing on their careers. It’s about creating financial security without having to give up your main profession.
What’s your advice to investors in today’s market?
It’s tough right now, but great deals are still out there. Be intentional, make offers, and build relationships. If you’re a working professional, use your income to get financing and think long-term. Buying a property in Paradise Valley today might just break even in cash flow, but in five years, it’ll be worth a lot more. It’s about positioning yourself for the future.
Is helping other athletes transition into investing a big focus for you?
Absolutely. Pro athletes make a lot of money fast, but that money has to last a lifetime. I want to bridge the gap—taking what I’ve learned from financial experts and making it relevant to athletes so they can build wealth beyond the game. I’m working with pro athlete communities, mentoring players, and speaking at investment events to share this knowledge.
From Trash to Treasure: Zachary Kepes Takes Over HGTV
While Devon Kennard built his wealth through football and strategic investing, he’s relied on pal Zachary Kepes to help navigate the real estate game.
Zachary, a master of turning Phoenix’s most distressed properties into profitable investments, takes viewers behind the scenes of his HGTV show, From Trash to Treasure, where he transforms forgotten homes into high-value assets. Here’s what he shared about the wild world of house flipping.
You started on Wall Street—what drew you to real estate?
Stocks and equities are controlled by institutions, but real estate? That’s where you can take control. I love that I can see, touch, and influence an investment in a way you just can’t with the stock market.
What sets your investment strategy apart?
I focus on distressed properties—hoarder houses, foreclosures, abandoned properties. I buy them, remodel them with my team, stabilize them, and either rent them out or sell them. My goal is long-term passive income. Owning one luxury home in the Valley is great, but owning ten cash-flowing properties in Phoenix is how you really build wealth.
Tell us about your HGTV show, "Trash to Treasure."
A talent scout saw what I was doing and pitched me for a show. A lot of real estate TV is staged, but what we do is the real deal. We walk into homes untouched—sometimes with 45 forgotten dogs, hoarder junk, and just unimaginable conditions—and turn them into something amazing. We’re revitalizing communities, one property at a time.
Can you take us behind the scenes?
TV is a whole different world! It’s fast-paced, but I love it. We’re filming right here in the Valley, in real neighborhoods, making a real impact. It’s rewarding when neighbors thank us for turning an eyesore into something beautiful.
How do you and Devon work together?
Devon is building his lending business, and I have a ton of people looking to finance deals. I introduce him to investors, and he connects me with deals. It’s a win-win.