Jon Kitna's journey through professional football is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on September 21, 1972, in Tacoma, Washington, Kitna's path to the NFL was unconventional. He played college football at Central Washington University, a small school that didn't typically produce NFL talent. Despite this, his impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, and he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996.
Kitna spent his early years with the Seahawks, initially playing in NFL Europe for the Barcelona Dragons, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His time in Europe proved beneficial, as he returned to the Seahawks and eventually became their starting quarterback. Kitna's tenure with Seattle saw him lead the team to the playoffs in 1999, marking a significant achievement for both him and the franchise.
In 2001, Kitna signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he faced the challenge of revitalizing a struggling team. Over the next few years, he provided stability at the quarterback position and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2003. This accolade came after he led the Bengals to an 8-8 record, their best in over a decade, and threw for over 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Kitna's role with the Bengals shifted in 2004 when the team drafted Carson Palmer as their quarterback of the future. Kitna transitioned into a mentorship role, supporting Palmer's development while serving as a reliable backup. His professionalism and leadership during this period were widely recognized.
In 2006, Kitna joined the Detroit Lions, where he was once again tasked with leading a team in transition. He started every game for the Lions over the next two seasons, passing for over 4,000 yards each year. Despite the team's struggles, Kitna's performance remained consistent, and he became known for his durability and work ethic.
Kitna's career took another turn in 2009 when he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Initially serving as a backup to Tony Romo, Kitna stepped into the starting role in 2010 after Romo suffered an injury. He led the Cowboys to several victories and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, even in the latter stages of his career.
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