Former NFL player to work as a licensed professional counselor

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But he applied for work at a nonprofit counseling center in Irvington and learned about a new program there working with teens. Hired as a group facilitator, he found his calling.

“I think they felt a former professional athlete had relevant experience to speak about discipline and give an honest viewpoint,” McKenzie said. “I liked giving my clients an opportunity to talk about their issues – to be someone who would advocate for them, have conversations to figure out ways to overcome issues, and not look at them as victims of circumstances.”

In his dissertation, McKenzie is interviewing clinicians to gain perspective on the substance use assessments of Black teenagers.

Kean assistant professor Jane Webber, who started the doctoral program in counseling and supervision at Kean, is McKenzie’s faculty advisor. She said he is a “passionate advocate for the unique mental health needs of black teens in today’s stressful adolescent culture.”

“Kareem brings so much of his life experience to his work and studies," she said. “Pro football is part of his formative development and a past career for Kareem. His present career is professional counselor and a scholar as a doctoral student. Kareem never brought football up in class. He is a student here at Kean, and we all respect this and live in the present with him.

“I see his incredible qualities — perseverance, dedication, integrity, empathy and passion in his work to help AfricanAmerican male teenagers find their voice,” Webber said.

At commencement, McKenzie’s sister, brother-in-law and possibly other family members may have been watching.

The day will be somewhat bittersweet. McKenzie lost both parents during the past three years, and the anniversary of his father’s death is May 16, the same date as commencement.

“It gives new meaning to that day,” McKenzie said. “This will be the first time I’ve ever graduated from anything without my parents attending. Ultimately, it’s a great way to honor them both, walking in the ceremony and wearing my doctoral regalia.”