Kalen DeLoach’s parents relish opportunity to see their son live out his dream

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WSAV) — Every high school football player dreams of playing in the NFL. Savannah native Kalen DeLoach, is beating the odds and living out his dream. This is not just an exciting time for the player, but for his parents Rob and Ivy as well WSAV caught with them at the game in Jacksonville.

As Rob and Ivy DeLoach sit quietly in the stands, you can’t tell but their hearts are full of joy and pride as they watch their son live out his dream.

“It’s a great feeling to know where Kalen has come from and to be here and support him,” Rob DeLoach said. “I’ve been doing this since he was four years old. He gets an opportunity to get out and live his dream. Me and my wife are glad to be out here to support him.”

“I feel like it means a lot to see him in the stands,” Kalen DeLoach said. “I waved at them before the game and I also saw them after the game. Just for them to come down here it was a great experience. I’m glad they enjoyed it.”

After a stellar career at Florida State, Kalen went undrafted and signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. He has already left a mark. He’s listed as second on the team’s depth chart and is tied for fourth on the team with seven total tackles through two preseason games.

“He has a great opportunity,” Rob DeLoach said. “Kalen is a dedicated kid, he works hard, he’s humble and he takes it in stride. You know we’re from Savannah so we are very resilient. It’s just a great opportunity. It sets the tone for the kids back home. You can come from Savannah, Georgia and get the opportunity to play in the NFL. We are grateful for our city.”

The 6-foot-1, 212-pound inside linebacker has beaten the odds so far. His mother did not seem surprised because she knows her son has an internal drive she feels is unmatched.

“My child,” Ivy DeLoach said. “My Kalen. It was prayer and supplication. Knowing what you are destined for, knowing for what you want out of life, knowing what you want it to be. In that case, you have to prove yourself, go out there and do what you are supposed to do and make it happen.”

Kalen’s performance on the field has also earned a new honor: Best Athlete in the family. over his older sister Taylor and his younger brother Jalen

“I don’t know if I should say that on national television,” Ivy DeLoach said. “You see the product. The product is on the field. I’m going to say right now it’s Kalen because he’s pursuing his goal. He’s doing what he wanted to do. The other two have yet to do that. I will say Jalen has his time coming, Taylor has already did hers.”

And mom adds, he is now her favorite.

“Kalen is my favorite,” Ivy DeLoach said. “He’s my humble child. He’s my child that is going to listen. He’s going to do what Mommy and Daddy say and no back talk. He’s just my humble child. My other two are more like Daddy. They are more go-getters. It is what it is.”

“I feel like I’ve always been her favorite out of the three to be honest,” Kalen DeLoach said. “For her to say that, it means a lot. So thank you, Mom.”

Kalen’s final preseason game is Friday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Bucs host the Miami Dolphins. NFL teams have to cut their rosters down to 53 players by Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.