2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kai Gray, S, Lincoln (PA)

• Name: Kai “KJ” Gray
• Position: Safety
• College: Lincoln (PA); (formerly at Rutgers, Sam Houston State)
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 208 lbs
• Twitter: CampaignKJG_5
• Instagram: CampaignKJG_7

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

I feel I am one of the most versatile defenders in the draft. I played in multiple spots on the field, and I have a great nose for the ball. Since high school, I have competed with and against some of the best. All of this is complemented by great coaching from some of the best in the business. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I have been interested in football since as long as I can remember. My father put the ball in my hands at a very young age. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is the NFL is where I belong! I have motivation and mindset to get me there.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to homeless shelters because I remember when I had to take the bus and train to get to high school. At the train station, there was hundreds on homeless people underneath the tunnel and on the nearby corners, asking for money. I was just a high school kid and I felt bad, but as I grew up and got a taste of life, I gained a different perspective of those less fortunate!

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

I remember listening to Ray Rice talk to our team and he described how you respond to “Fear.” You can Face Everything And Rise or you can Forget Everything And Run. I heard that in 2017 and got it tattooed on me. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was Mike Vick. He forever changed the game with his style of play. He stood out in every game he played in. I feel I can relate to him also because of his response to adversity throughout his career. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Most underrated teammate in my locker room is Drew Stephens. He starts wide receiver and at PUNTER! I worked out with him multiple times throughout the summer and I respect his grind. More people on the team should have his work ethic. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when the phone rings while on the aux.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Honestly, I faced the most adversity in these recent years. Dealing with the deaths of family and friends, dealing with NCAA eligibility rules and having to sit out. Before this year, I last played in 2019. I couldn’t transfer back to the Division 1 level because of my clock would run out. I went NAIA last year but was restricted from playing because I would have to enroll for a year before playing. Fortunately, I found a Division 2 exception and kept in contact with some old coaches. I was blessed with the opportunity to play the game I love at a prestigious HBCU in a very competitive conference. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My school is the nation’s FIRST degree-granting HBCU. My school is full of people who are similar to me. We may come from different areas of the map, but I discover more and more similarities on the daily. I also love how the community sticks together. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is peanut butter and jelly. I used to eat those a lot when I had to gain weight in the B1G. 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the adrenaline rush from making plays.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

A versatile chess piece on the defense with all the potential and a wonderful story to tell. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare myself to Derwin James. The Chargers line him up at multiple spots on the field. I believe I can do the same. I have lined up as an edge rusher, linebacker, safety and nickel. I feel I have shown playmaking ability in multiple defense styles. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Floyd Mayweather because he is the money man. He knows how to make money, and he even has his own promotion company. Promoting your own fights is pretty impressive. Mike Vick definitely because he was my childhood hero. I appreciate his influence on the game of football. Last, I would have to have my guy Chief Keef at the table. We share the same birthday. His influence in the music industry is unremarkable! His music really got me hyped throughout high school.