Carlo Kemp

Carlo Kemp's Biography

Carlo Kemp, born on the 1st of January, 1998, is a celebrated retired American football player, who had a versatile career as a linebacker. He was known for playing for the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL), among other renowned teams.

Kemp’s high school years were marked by standout performances. As a four-year letterman at Fairview High School, he caught the attention of college recruiters and the football community from early on in his career. He was recognized as a second-team All-Conference selection in his freshman year. During his sophomore season, he leveled up, earning a spotlight spot on the All-State first-team. Kemp’s junior year was filled with achievements, recording stats with 66 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks, and 11 rushing touchdowns. This led him to again receive first-team All-Conference, and first-team All-State honors, marking a successful run.

In his final high school year, Kemp adjusted smoothly into the outside linebacker position, recording 81 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, four sacks, and even one blocked field goal. His consistent performance played a crucial role in ranking him first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State. Kemp’s all-around performance extended beyond the field, earning him The Denver Post’s Gold Helmet Award, as Colorado’s top high school senior football player, recognized for exceptional play, scholarly achievements, and commendable conduct.

Kemp’s performance was certainly not overlooked, and he secured his position as the best high school prospect from Colorado. He received scholarships from a multitude of colleges, finally committing to play for the Michigan Wolverines after visits to Colorado, Michigan and Notre Dame.

Kemp played college football for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 2016 to 2020, with a promising debut during a game against Colorado. He played consistently during his sophomore year, and started his career as a linebacker, eventually transitioning to a defensive lineman during his junior year. Despite the hurdles of his senior year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he still appeared in all six games, ending the season receiving the All-Big Ten honorable mention.

His performance continued to turn heads as he participated in the 2021 Hula Bowl, where he bagged the Team Aina’s Defensive Most Valuable Player title. His journey to the NFL was not easy, entering as undrafted in 2021. Despite being waived multiple times, his determination carried him on and he played eventually for the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Birmingham Stallions, and ended his career in April 2024 playing for the Houston Roughnecks.

One of the high points of his football career was when he was drafted 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Maulers in the 2022 USFL draft. Despite a short stint, he made an impact, leading the team with five sacks.

The legacy of Kemps in the football realm extends beyond Carlo himself, as he is the nephew of former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano and Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach John Pagano. His grandfather, Sam Pagano, also has had a laudable legacy in football, being a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach at Boulder’s Fairview High School. Kemp’s career was a tribute to football, marking a legacy of passion for the game, resilience, and determination.