Tom Kennedy has spent most of his Detroit Lions tenure walking a tightrope between the practice squad and the active roster. Since 2019, the veteran wideout has been in constant flux — a rare feat in a league where players on the fringe rarely last long, let alone stick with one organization through multiple coaching staffs. His persistence, preparation and reliability have earned him steady trust inside the building, a far cry from his early reputation as “the former pro lacrosse player trying to make it as a receiver.”

Head coach Dan Campbell summed it up simply: “We trust TK. That’s why he’s here.” Campbell praised Kennedy’s versatility, noting his value as both a returner and a player who can handle countless assignments on offense.

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp echoed those sentiments, using Kennedy as an example of how unpredictable NFL careers can be.

“He’s been up, he’s been down, he’s waited his turn for a long time,” Fipp said. “Players like him float on and off rosters all the time, and any team could’ve taken him off our practice squad if they wanted. But whenever he gets his shot, he delivers — on offense and on special teams. That’s a credit to who he is.”

Fipp added that Kennedy’s impact extends beyond game day. He’s a valuable practice player, a steady presence for younger teammates and a consistent help in weekly preparation.

Kennedy has made the most of his latest call-up. Against the Packers on Thanksgiving, he contributed four receptions for 36 yards, ripped off a 21-yard punt return and added three kickoff returns totaling 81 yards. In the process, he became the first Lion since Mel Gray in 1991 to record a 30-yard kick return, a 20-yard punt return and a 20-yard catch in the same contest.

Although his offensive snaps dropped sharply last Thursday with Amon-Ra St. Brown back in the lineup — going from 41 snaps two weeks ago to just five — Kennedy continued to shine in the return game versus Dallas.

With Kalif Raymond sidelined by an ankle injury and Sione Vaki still recovering from a thumb issue, Detroit turned to Kennedy again. He answered with another 21-yard punt return and piled up 120 yards on three kickoff attempts.

Raymond hasn’t practiced or played since injuring his ankle, and Vaki hasn’t fielded a kick since Week 3. That left the door wide open, and Kennedy sprinted through it.

He set the offense up repeatedly with strong field position:

A first-quarter return to the 47-yard line

A 21-yard punt return to the Dallas 42, sparking a touchdown drive

A 38-yard fourth-quarter return to the 41, leading to another score

And finally, a 42-yard return to the 49 that set up Detroit’s clinching touchdown

Kennedy became the first NFL player since Josh Cribbs in 2007 to record three kick returns of 35-plus yards and a punt return of 20-plus yards in the same game.

In short, he has taken full advantage of this roster opportunity — and likely secured his place for the final stretch of the regular season.

“When you’re active, all you want to do is help the team however you can,” Kennedy said after the win. “I’m just glad I’ve been able to contribute. Sometimes all you need is one crease. If you see it and hit it with speed, good things happen.”