Kenny McIntosh, a versatile running back for the Seattle Seahawks and the youngest son of Richard and Kyria McIntosh, has journeyed from a small-town kid in Florida to a rising NFL star.
Their love, guidance, and continuous support have shaped Kenny and his siblings into a tight-knit, football-loving family.
Kenny grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a household where football wasn’t just a game—it was a way of life.
Richard McIntosh Sr., Kenny’s father, was a high school football player at Dillard High School.
Though he didn’t pursue the sport professionally, his passion for it never faded.
Instead, he poured that energy into coaching his sons, established in them a fierce competitive spirit and a love for the game.
Richard coached all three of his sons—Kenny, RJ, and Deon—during their youth football days.
He wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor who taught them resilience and heart. One of his favorite mottos, which he passed down to his boys, was,“It’s not what happens, but how you handle it.”
This mindset became a guiding light for the McIntosh family, helping them stay positive through life’s ups and downs.
In a 2022 interview with a local newspaper, Kenny recalled his father’s influence:
“My daddy taught me to never be soft. My brother’s 6-5 and in the league, and I’m 6-1, so he’s still bigger than me, but I’m still going up against him. I just had that heart at a young age. My dad taught us to compete, so I give it all to my dad and my brothers.”
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Richard’s approach to coaching was about more than just winning games. He wanted his sons to understand that success in football—and in life—requires hard work and determination.
“I’ve told Kenny, eventually opportunity will knock, and when it knocks, you kick the door open and show the world what you’re made of,” Richard said in an interview. “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and there will be good days and bad days. Anything worth having, you have to work hard for it.”
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While Richard Shaped Kenny’s Competitive Edge, Kyria, His Mother, Was The Family’s Emotional Anchor
A graduate of Atlanta Technical College with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Kyria has consistently shown a driven and supportive nature.
She’s the owner of The Blueprint Pickup & Delivery Service, a nod to the nickname her youngest son earned on the football field.
Before that, she worked as an administrative assistant at MAC 3 LLC, balancing her career with raising six children.
Kyria’s love for her family shines through in everything she does.
She’s been a constant cheerleader for Kenny and his siblings, whether they were playing on the same team or facing off as opponents.
In 2017, when her older sons RJ and Deon competed against each other on the college football field—RJ at Miami and Deon at Notre Dame—Kyria spoke about the experience with warmth and pride.
She said-:
“At the end of the day, we’re a home that is not divided, We’re going to love each other and love on each other. I’d say let the best man win, but they’re two great programs and two great kids. I’m going to be bawling, tears running down my face.”
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Kyria’s support has been a cornerstone of Kenny’s journey, giving him the confidence to chase his dreams.
Kenny earned the nickname “The Blueprint” during his youth football days, a term coined by his father.
Richard recalled:
“Oh yeah, you should have seen the smile on his face when he got that nickname, He was really excited about it, and he likes it to this day. I had to explain it to my wife: the reference was to him being the blueprint of a great football player.”
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The nickname stuck, symbolizing Kenny’s potential to be a complete, well-rounded athlete.
It also showed the foundation his parents built for him—a blend of discipline, heart, and determination.
With Richard’s coaching and Kyria’s continuous support, Kenny was destined for greatness.
Kenny Is Born Into A Family of Athletes
His older brothers, RJ and Deon, both pursued the sport at the collegiate level.
Deon, a running back like Kenny, played at Notre Dame and later at Washington State, where he appeared in four games during his senior season in 2020.
RJ, meanwhile, took his talents to the NFL, playing two seasons with the New York Giants.
The McIntosh brothers grew up pushing each other to be better, with Kenny often competing against his taller, stronger siblings.
Kenny said. “My brother’s 6-5, and I’m 6-1, But I still went up against him.”
The family’s athletic legacy doesn’t stop with the boys. Kenny’s three sisters—Riki, Johnna, and another sister—have been part of the family’s supportive network, cheering on their brothers at every step.
Together, the six McIntosh siblings form a tight-knit crew, united by their parents’ values and their shared love of sports.
Kenny’s hard work paid off when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a versatile running back and kick returner, he quickly became a valuable asset to the team.
His parents’ lessons about perseverance and seizing opportunities rang true as he carved out a role in the NFL.
Tragically, Kenny’s journey hit a setback on July 26, 2025, during a Seahawks training camp practice.
Seahawks RB Kenny McIntosh, who had to be helped off the field today, is thought to have a torn ACL pending further testing, per source. pic.twitter.com/NegcsvAnk7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2025
In a non-contact special teams drill, he suffered a serious knee injury, suspected to be a torn ACL.
The injury, which required him to be carted off the field, could sideline him for the entire 2025 season.
For a player vying for the No. 3 running back spot and a key role on special teams, the news was devastating.
But if there’s one thing Kenny learned from his parents, it’s how to handle adversity.
Richard’s motto—“It’s not what happens, but how you handle it”—will undoubtedly guide Kenny through this challenging time.
With Kyria’s love and support, and the encouragement of his siblings, Kenny is sure to approach his recovery with the same heart and determination that got him to the NFL.
Kenny McIntosh’s parents, Richard Sr. and Kyria, have been supporters ,coaches, cheerleaders, and role models.
Their dedication to their children’s dreams, from youth football fields in Florida to the bright lights of the NFL, is a testament to their love and commitment.
Richard’s lessons about hard work and resilience, paired with Kyria’s nurturing and strength, have created a family that thrives on unity and perseverance.
As Kenny faces the road to recovery, he carries with him the values his parents instilled: compete fiercely, love deeply, and never give up.
