By Latoya Scott
 
Jevon "The Freak" Kearse. The nickname is bound to make you snicker. But the sacked quarterbacks who face Kearse on the football field aren’t laughing. To the contrary, they are often lying flat on their backs with very little to say.

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive end earned the more risqué of his two nicknames by being a play stopper. At 6’4”, 265 pounds, Kearse is monstrous compared to the average 5’9” 180lb male. With a 37-inch vertical jump and an impressive 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, he is as nimble as he is fast. More importantly, this combination of speed and agility —despite his larger-than-life frame—makes him a virtual mutant. A freak. Few players in the NFL possess the raw athleticism that afforded Kearse the 14.5 sacks and 85 tackles (59 unassisted) he boasts on his rookie record. After nine seasons in the NFL, Kearse’s skills are often compared to the likes of hall-of-famer Lawrence Taylor.


Now at 31, "The 66 Million Dollar Man"—Kearse is one of the highest paid defensive ends in NFL history— is gearing up for a Super Bowl ring and a wedding band. You heard that right: The Freak is looking to wrap his 89-inch wingspan around an “old-fashioned kind of girl," and as he so eloquently puts it, “put babies in her.”
 

Photography by Javiel Centeno

Questions & Answers

Besides a whole lot of money, what do you bring to the table?
I know I’m a great catch. I’m outgoing and a giver. I consider myself a compassionate and empathetic person. And when I have a girlfriend I don't cheat because I wouldn’t like to be in those shoes.

So have you ever been cheated on?
I don’t know. I’m sure I have been.

When it comes to your home are you the king of the castle? Or are you looking for a 50/50 partner?

I gots to be king! Not because I’m the breadwinner but because I’m ‘THE MAN!’ (Laughs) Honestly, I’m not looking for a subservient woman— I want a strong woman. But if we have kids I don’t want my wife to work.

Settling down can be hard enough for a man with so many available women to choose from, what makes you think you’re ready for kids?
I love kids. When my family stays with me during the season, my nieces rush me at the door. It makes me long to [experience] that with my own kids.

Why do you think your past relationships have been so short lived?
I wasn’t open enough. I didn’t like having “serious conversations.” I hate it when a woman goes, “we have to talk.” I’m more open now, but it’s those humbling experiences…the arguing and the break-ups that help you learn.

What lessons have you learned from your past relationships?
First, never go through a girl’s phone. I went through a girl’s phone once— and I found what I was looking for! Second, don’t give a woman reason not to trust you. Third, and most important, you can’t make chemistry happen. Either you have it [with someone] or you don’t.

What characteristics are you looking for in a woman?
She should have a great sense of humor, strong family bonds and be smart — but she doesn't have to have a college degree. She should love kids and respect God.

Are you spiritual?
I don’t go to church as much as I’d like to but I attend Bible study every Wednesday. I read the Bible almost daily and I always pray before meals and bed.

What role has God played in your life?
Some say it just to say it… but I KNOW that if it weren’t for God none of this would be possible. [God] kept me out of trouble growing up. In middle school and high school where you are most influenced, I believe God had his hand on me.

What’s your ‘absolute-no return-regardless of how much I love you’ deal breaker in a relationship?
Well, I don’t like dishonest and manipulative women. I hate when women make themselves out to be something they aren’t. Everyone has a past. I have one. When the past becomes a problem in the present it doesn’t work.

Do you believe in the mantra, "you can’t turn a ho into a housewife?"

Yes.

Seems a bit one-sided, considering many pro-athletes tend to be a tad, promiscuous, no?
Call me old fashioned, but I think that women are supposed to be women—good and pure and all that.

If you could build your ideal woman, what would she look like?
Physically, she’d have Beyonce’s thighs, J Lo’s ass, Kelly Rowland’s legs, and Ciara’s toned body. And big hair. ‘Cause it just begs me to play in it. Notice I didn’t mention boobs… They aren’t that important to me.

You mentioned Beyonce’s thighs- she’s far from the typical fashion model chick size; do you like “big girls”?
I like full girls. But you have to have a gym membership! I mean they like me to be “fit" right?

Do you date women of all races?
I’ve dated all races but prefer Hispanic and black women. I like exotic looking women.

How close have you come to proposing to a woman?
Like, "I started to design the ring" close.

What made her special?
We had good chemistry. We could go out together or just sit around the house and have fun. She could cook. It’s important to have a woman who can take care of the family.

So would you consider settling down with an older woman a la Usher?
As far as marriage, my age range is 25 or 26 years old.

What was the craziest situation you found yourself in with a woman?
I was out of town visiting a female. Then there was a knock at the door…then a bunch of kicks and phone calls. I think it was a jealous boyfriend or something.

Whoa. What did you do?

I called my car to come get me. That’s why I don’t visit girls anymore. I let them visit me!

Do you talk dirty during sex?
I’m not really a talker—more of a moaner. I like to concentrate on what I’m feeling. But I’ll respond if she’s asking a question.

What gets you in the “mood”?
Someone who can “paint a picture” verbally is always guaranteed to do it for me as well as knowing what pleases my partner— I like to please.

Do you prefer full-bush, landing strip or completely bare?
Landing strip and bare are cool. I like a woman to take care of herself because I take care of myself-I trim my hedges.

What’s in the top drawer of your dresser?
That’s my underwear drawer… and the condom drawer too.

Do you think that men and women can be platonic friends?
It’s possible but rare. Someone is always plotting.

As a self professed hip-hop head, what do you think about the way hip-hop portrays women?
They sure aren’t glorifying them! But I look at it as entertainment. That opinion might change when I have a little miss “Princess Kearse.”

Do you think America is ready for a female or black president?
YES. We are ready for anything! We are ready for a Saudi Arabian female pool-cleaner! My vote is for Barack Obama though.

What do you plan to do after football?
Nothing too strenuous! After $66 million, I don’t need a backup plan. I’ve been investing and don’t have any crazy spending habits. I’m taking golf lessons… I want to be a professional golfer and raise some kids.