NFL's Kevin Pierre-Louis Delivers Commencement at King School

The King School Class of 2023 was treated to an inspirational keynote address by NFL linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis during the school’s Commencement Ceremony on June 2.

A King Low-Heywood Thomas (KLHT) alumnus from the Class of 2010, Pierre-Louis delivered a heartfelt message of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief.

“First, I’d like to congratulate the Class of 2023,” he said. “You've made it!”

Pierre-Louis expressed his delight at returning to his alma mater and reconnecting with the King community. He extended his gratitude to the faculty, staff, parents, and loved ones for their role in shaping the graduating class: “Each of you have made a great impact on the men and women sitting on this stage."

He also recognized the dedicated educators at KLHT who had influenced his life. Among those he named were his beloved football coach, Daniel Gouin, math teacher Carol Brown, history teacher Kenneth Lewis, and Physical Education Coordinator Mark McAndrews.

Reflecting on his journey, Pierre-Louis emphasized the transformative impact of education and credited King for providing him with the opportunity to better his life. He recalled his initial struggles transitioning to a new environment as “an athletic inner-city kid.”

“Because of my own mental blocks, I felt as though I was unequipped and lacked what was necessary to find my place in a new environment that was different than I was accustomed to,” he said. “Luckily, I quickly learned how wrong I was. Despite the surface-level differences, I found a lot in common with my peers as we all did our best to navigate life.”

To highlight the importance of humility, Pierre-Louis shared a humorous and heartwarming life lesson he learned while dropping off his 2-year-old son at day care.

“We were walking the halls when one kid looked up at me and said, ‘You're old,’ then just continued to walk happily away,” he recalled. “More times than I can count, I've stood up to men more than twice my size and met that challenge head-on only to find myself being humbled by someone barely bigger than my 2-year-old.”

Recognizing the challenges that lie ahead for the graduates, Pierre-Louis shared insights from his professional journey. He emphasized the need for adaptability and said: "Know that most of your plans will change or be adjusted slightly. I know — I had plans of my own. Plot twist: Being in the NFL and speaking to you today was never a part of it."

Since childhood, Pierre-Louis said, he wanted to be in the special forces. “That was going to be my life,” he added. “No wife, no kids, just the brothers and sisters I would fight alongside. My beautiful wife and son are with us today. Guess that part of my plan changed as well.”

Pierre-Louis encouraged the graduates to view failure as an opportunity for growth and for each to consider one’s self as the toughest competition.

“Success is not dependent on what you have or lack,” he said. “It depends on the consistency of your effort. When you fall, get back up. Will there be times it's more difficult to do so? Yes, there will. Get back up and continue the work.”

Drawing from personal experience, Pierre-Louis advised the graduates to embrace unfamiliar situations and ask challenging questions. He emphasized the importance of active listening and self-reflection, saying: “Be mindful. In conversations, are you truly listening? Or are you just waiting to speak?”

Pierre-Louis concluded his speech with an empowering message: “There is a difference between possibility and probability. Don't allow the odds to discourage you … Just because it's not probable doesn’t mean it's impossible. Class of 2023, I believe in you.”