We recently connected with Brandon and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I’ve known Koda Martin since high school, back when Friday nights were filled with stadium lights, and hearts hungry for something more than a scoreboard win. Koda was the quiet force on the football field—a powerhouse lineman with a steady heart. I wasn’t a coach in the traditional sense. I was the team’s life coach, the one who showed up early to pray with the coaches and stayed late to talk with players about more than just football.

Every game day, I’d lead devotionals in the locker room. Over time, Koda became more than just a listener—he became a leader. He started leading Bible studies at my house, opening up Scripture with the same seriousness he brought to the game. Those gatherings were sacred. A bunch of high school guys in folding chairs, Bibles cracked open, hearts wide. Koda never sought the spotlight, but he had a way of drawing people toward truth.

After high school, I watched Koda continue his journey—first to college football, then to the NFL. Through every level, his faith stayed front and center. He never stopped being a man of quiet strength and bold conviction.

Our relationship has always been rooted in something deeper than football. It’s been about purpose, faith, and growth. I wasn’t just there to encourage Koda—I was blessed to witness God working in and through him. From high school devotionals to NFL locker rooms, Koda has carried the same mission: to live out his faith with integrity and impact others wherever God places him.

I’m proud to know him. More than that, I’m thankful for the brotherhood we’ve built—one forged not just in football, but in faith.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Brandon Kennard is a pastor, a ministry director for Youth for Christ, a life coach, a devoted husband of 25 years, and a father of five—but titles only scratch the surface of who he is. At his core, Brandon is a man who has dedicated his life to loving God and serving people with intentionality, wisdom, and compassion.

As a pastor, Brandon is known for preaching truth with humility and conviction. His messages are not only grounded in Scripture, but in real life—where people are, in the middle of their mess and searching for meaning. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and he doesn’t hide behind a pulpit. Instead, he invites people into deeper relationship, always pointing them to the grace and truth of Jesus.

In his role as ministry director with Youth for Christ, Brandon lives out his mission daily: reaching young people with the gospel. Whether he’s mentoring a student, supporting a school staff member, or organizing outreach events, Brandon is fully engaged. He believes in showing up, building trust, and walking alongside the next generation as they discover their identity and purpose in Christ.

As a life coach, Brandon’s heart for people is seen in one-on-one conversations, group sessions, and countless text messages filled with encouragement and truth. He has the rare gift of both listening well and speaking boldly. He challenges people to grow, but always with grace.

Beyond ministry, Brandon’s greatest legacy is his family. Married to his wife for 25 years, their relationship reflects strength, faith, and partnership. Together, they’ve raised five children, pouring love, faith, and intentional discipleship into their home. Brandon is a present and playful dad, a steady leader, and a source of wisdom for his kids as they grow into who God has created them to be.

Brandon Kennard is not just a leader—he’s a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to God’s call on his life. In every setting—church, school, home, or field—he leads with love, lives with purpose, and reflects the heart of Christ in all he does.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training or knowledge, I believe the most important factor for succeeding in any field is work ethic. It’s what truly separates those who rise to the top from those who just get by. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you don’t show up consistently, put in the work when it’s hard, or finish what you start, that knowledge won’t carry you far.

Growing up, my dad used to talk to me a lot about work ethic. He would always say, “If you’re going to do something, do it right. Don’t halfway do anything.” He wasn’t just saying that either—he lived it. Whether he was working long hours to provide for our family or helping someone out who needed a hand, he showed me what it looked like to work hard without complaining. He never expected things to be handed to him, and he taught me not to expect that either.

I think that mindset is what’s missing for a lot of people today. So many just want the success, the title, or the reward, but not the effort that comes before it. They want to skip the early mornings, the late nights, and the grind in between. But the truth is, the process matters. The way you approach your daily tasks, how much pride you take in the little things, and the way you respond when things don’t go your way—that’s what sets people apart.

I’ve found that when you’re the person who shows up early, stays late, takes initiative, and doesn’t cut corners, people notice. You earn respect, trust, and opportunity—not because you asked for it, but because you earned it. And even if the path gets tough, your work ethic keeps you going.

At the end of the day, talent and knowledge might open a door, but work ethic is what keeps you in the room. It’s what makes you reliable. And it’s what builds a reputation that people can count on. That’s the kind of person I want to be—not someone who expects a handout, but someone who shows up every day ready to put in the work.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, yes—I would still choose the same profession, even though it wasn’t my first pick. I’m an introvert by nature. I’ve always felt more comfortable in quiet spaces and reflecting. Being a life coach and pastor, though, constantly puts me in front of people. It requires public speaking and being present in the lives of others in a very real and consistent way. That doesn’t come naturally for me. I’d honestly rather be by myself most days.

But I truly believe that my faith in Christ is what brought me here and keeps me here. There have been times when I’ve questioned whether I was the right person for the job. I’ve wrestled with insecurity, fatigue, and feeling stretched thin socially. Still, in those moments, I’ve seen God work through me in ways I never expected. People have shared how something I said, prayed, or did made a difference in their life. That’s not about me being outgoing or dynamic—it’s about obedience and faithfulness.

This path may not have been what I imagined for myself, but I’ve grown through it. I’ve had to rely on God more than I would have if I had chosen something that aligned with my personality. That reliance has deepened my relationship with Him and shaped how I walk with others. It’s taught me that calling isn’t always about comfort—it’s about purpose.

So no, I didn’t choose this field because it was easy or because it fit my natural tendencies. I chose it—and continue to choose it—because I believe it’s where I’m supposed to be. God put me here for a reason. And even though it stretches me, it’s also where I’ve found some of the most meaningful moments of my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: realbrandonkennard
• Facebook: Brandon Kennard
• Twitter: brandonkennard