Kelvin Atkins
{{Short description|American football player (born 1960)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Kelvin Atkins
| position = Linebacker
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1960|7|3}}
| birth_place = Orlando, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lb = 235
| high_school = Evans (Orlando, Florida)
| college = Illinois (1978–1981)
| draftyear = 1982
| draftround = 8
| draftpick = 212
| pastteams =
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|1982}})
- Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|1983}})
- Chicago Blitz ({{USFL Year|1985}})*
- Denver Gold ({{USFL Year|1985}})*
- Orlando Renegades ({{USFL Year|1985}})
| pfr = AtkiKe20
}}
Kelvin Lamar Atkins (born July 3, 1960) is an American former professional football linebacker who played one season with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Illinois and selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the eighth round of the 1982 NFL draft. He also played for the Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League (USFL).
Early life and college
Kelvin Lamar Atkins was born on July 3, 1960, in Orlando, Florida. He attended Maynard Evans High School in Orlando.
Atkins was a member of the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1978 to 1981 and a three-year letterman from 1979 to 1981. He recorded one interception in 1979 and two interceptions in 1981.{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kelvin-atkins-1.html | title=Kelvin Atkins | publisher=Sports Reference | accessdate=12 March 2025}}
Professional career
Atkins was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the eighth round, with the 212th overall pick, of the 1982 NFL draft.{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AtkiKe20.htm | title=Kelvin Atkins | publisher=Pro Football Reference | accessdate=12 March 2025}} In regards to joining the Buccaneers, Atkins stated that "The Bucs were my favorite team from their start, even when they were losing all those games" and "That's why it's such a thrill to be here. I was afraid I was going to Pittsburgh."{{cite news | url=https://newspapers.com/image/227534254/?match=1&clipping_id=133417107 | title=Bucs prospects get taste of NFL learning process | work=The Orlando Sentinel | date=May 9, 1982 | accessdate=October 14, 2023 | author=Greene, Jerry}} He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 1982, and spent the entire season there. He was released by the Buccaneers on August 29, 1983.{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactions/a/atki01400.html | title=Kelvin Atkins Transactions | publisher=Pro Football Archives | accessdate=12 March 2025}}
Atkins signed with the Chicago Bears on September 20, 1983. He played in 13 games for the Bears during the 1983 season. He was released on August 21, 1984.
Atkins was signed by the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League (USFL) on October 15, 1984. The Blitz folded soon after.{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/alabama-journal/167798520/ | title=Quarterback Evans signs with Denver Gold | work=Alabama Journal | date=December 5, 1984 | agency=The Associated Press | accessdate=12 March 2025 | pages=21}} On December 5, 1984, Atkins signed with the Denver Gold of the USFL. However, he was waived by the Gold on January 21, 1985. He was claimed off waivers by the USFL's Orlando Renegades the next day. He recorded two sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery for the Renegades during the 1985 USFL season. Atkins became a free agent after the 1986 USFL season was cancelled.
References
{{reflist}}
{{Buccaneers1982DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atkins, Kelvin}}
Category:American football linebackers
Category:Illinois Fighting Illini football players
Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players
Category:Chicago Bears players
Category:Chicago Blitz players
Category:Washington Federals/Orlando Renegades players