Jim Kearney (American football)

James Lee Kearney (born January 21, 1943) is a former American football safety who played twelve seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) from 1965-1976. In college, he played quarterback for Prairie View A&M, where one of his wide receivers was future Kansas City Chiefs teammate Otis Taylor. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He then played for the Chiefs from 1967 through 1975 and for the New Orleans Saints in 1976. He started in Super Bowl IV for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 1972, he tied an NFL record by returning four interceptions for touchdowns. He also led the league with 192 yards on interception returns. He wore jersey number 46 while with the Chiefs. In retirement, he has taken up golf and coached little league football in the Kansas City area. Jim taught science for many years at Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas.