Hello Kamaal. I'm excited that you decided to sit down with me. Let's dive in, shall we?
KD: *chuckles* Sure. We can get right to it.
Perfect. You're fresh off your first Super Bowl win and a first for the Jags. How special is that to you?
KD: It's very special. The championship is the reason the league contends. Every year it's all about the fight to the big game. It felt like a full-circle moment.
How so?
KD: A lot of things have changed for me over the past year. Winning the Super Bowl was the perfect finale for these chapters of my story.
I've heard of a few changes that have come your way recently. Do you care to share?
KD: *shifts his gaze to a woman in the corner of the room*
We can start with how that beautiful woman made my dream come true by marrying me and making me a father for the fourth time.
Congratulations. The birth announcement photos were beautiful.
KD: Thank you
(He looked back at that corner of the room, beckoning his guest to come closer. She responded by subtly shaking her head)
KD: What did I tell you on your last night of being single?
Mrs. Duval: (tucks her lips to hide her blush) I'm you. But that isn't what this interview is about, KD.
KD: It's always about you and me, Tyree Michelle Duval. You can scratch this from the record, Mrs. Hamilton.
No can do, Mr. Duval. Our arrangement is solid. This can and will be used.
KD: Cool. Tell the world how much I love my better half. I do it every chance I get.
I am happy to. You two are adorable and the people need to see two black people loving each other past the pain and mistakes once corrections have been implemented. If it's okay, I'd like to shift to that topic. This feels like the most organic way to go with both of you. Is that okay?
KD: That's fine with me. I've been ready to tell my story, but it's up to misses.
Understood. Is that okay, Mrs. Duval?
TD: That's fine.
Perfect! I feel like I, along with most with a social media account, watched the cycle of your relationship. Starting with you being named hashtag couples' goals, to separating, co-parenting, rekindling, and getting married. Can you pinpoint what caused such a journey?
(TD looked to Kamaal to take the lead)
KD: Without going through fine details, I messed up. The consequence of that mess-up was our breakup, but a blessing through that is our daughter, Kori. We remained separate, became friends, and then the inevitable happened.
Is that how you see it, Mrs. Duval? Was reconnecting inevitable?
TD: While I think the desire would always be there, I wouldn't say getting back together was inevitable. That was made possible by how both of us grew during our time apart. There was work that needed to be done, which made us more compatible and ready to reconnect.
There it is. You put in the work needed to prepare to get back together. Thank you for sharing. Kamaal, you shocked the world with your retirement announcement as you accepted the coveted MVP trophy. Was it always your plan to hang up your jersey after winning a ring?
KD: No. That wasn't even a thought when the season began. As it continued, I felt my inspiration shift in other directions. I was happy with what I accomplished as a running back and decided this year was it for me and that wasn't contingent on us going all the way. With my family growing, I wanted to be more present at home.
Even though how you left the league wasn't a master plan, as you've stated, it still inspired your colleagues. When your teammate La'Quan Perry was asked about your departure, he said it was a smooth exit that inspired the term #smoothout, which made its rounds on social media. Another reason you've been a topic of conversation is for the Duval Foundation you announced. Can you give us some
KD: Ten years in the league showed me how the game can be grueling on the body but also the mind. Football players have the reputation of being powerful beasts on the field. We're the guys getting paid big money to become a weapon for the ball. I also know how pressuring it is to be the provider. It's also stressful as hell when injury or decreased performance threatens your livelihood and the lifestyle you've provided for your family. That can and has driven most to desperate measures, including the use of HGHs and even opioids. The Duval Foundation is a resource to help players dealing with injuries and substance dependency. There are programs and the best sports therapist to aid players in physical and drug rehabilitation.
Mrs. Duval, you've been making an impact with such a great cause with A Fair Chance, A Home for Parentless Children. Can you share what inspired this initiative?
TD: As someone who lost their parents at a young age, I know how lonely life can be. Harder too. With the cards stacked against kids who suffered the same fate as me, they are already at a disadvantage. Children who grow up in orphanages are at much higher risk of becoming victims of violence, trafficking, and exploitation. I created A Fair Chance because I wanted to have a direct hand in improving the odds for children who've already lost so much.
Amazing. Congrats to both of you for using your influence to better others. I won't keep you all day, so we can end here. I want to thank you for spending time with us today and being so gracious about the change in agenda. Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future?
KD: I'll be putting time in with the foundation, coaching the teams my children play on, and you may or may not see me on your screens giving post-game updates. Stay tuned.
All good things. What about you, Mrs. Duval?
TD: I'll be spending a lot of time at A Fair Chance and trying to keep up with the kids at home are on my docket. My best friend Toni wanted me to let you know that she's up next (in this franchise).
Comments ()