Lauree Leyland, with Keithbulluckfanclub.com, recently sat down with Kelvin Smith, Keith's eldest brother and asked him to give us the inside scoop on our favorite linebacker.

Here's what he had to say:

KBFC: What was Keith like as a child?

Kelvin: Keith was a really sensitive child, but he was tough. He was very active and into everything. (laugh)
It seemed like he was always falling down the stairs or something like that, but he never cried when it happened. He'd just get up and keep going, but if you hurt his feelings … that was a different thing. Emotionally he was very sensitive.

When Keith was little he liked to play with any kind of ball he could find. He liked to throw and run around with a ball in his hands. He liked G.I. Joe's and Rock-em Sock-em Robots, but he really loved to play with a ball the most.

KBFC: You were 15 when Keith was born, which is a pretty big age difference. Did he ever get into your things?

Kelvin: Oh yeah. (laugh) He'd get in my stuff and I'd have to yell at him. Pretty typical brother stuff. He was particularly intrigued when I got a pair of cool, new sneakers. He liked to put them on and try to wear them.

KBFC: Were there other things that he liked? TV shows or characters?

Kelvin: I remember he had these Spiderman Pajamas. (laugh) He liked to watch Superfriends. He really loved that show, but the Spiderman Pajamas stick in my mind.

Oh and I read where Keith says his favorite food is Italian or Spaghetti, but that's not the whole truth. (laugh) When Keith was growing up he was a big eater … I mean a BIG eater. And his favorite food was chicken. When she was pregnant with Keith, my Mom even had a little beauty mark appear that was in the shape of a chicken, so maybe that's connected to it somehow. When she visits him now, I know he may like those other foods … but he wants her to make her chicken for him. He loves chicken. (laughs again)

KBFC: Was there ever a time that you knew Keith was special?

Kelvin: Keith has always been a tough guy, and his perseverance made me believe he was a chosen one. When he was young he was kind of raised by everyone, and he had a lot of things to overcome … things that I thought in anyone else his age would be more than they could handle. But Keith had what it took to make it through the difficult times. He always found a way to handle whatever life threw at him.

KBFC: What is your proudest moment with Keith?

Kelvin: I'd really have to say there have been two particularly proud moments. I didn't walk with my class when I graduated from college, so when he earned his degree at Syracuse and walked across the stage … I was really proud of him.

The second would be the day we had 75 or 80 people at my house to watch the NFL draft. Keith was there … waiting on a call. We waited from noon until around 5 when the Titans called. I knew it was going to happen … we all did, but the realization of that moment was something you can't really prepare for until it happens. I didn't cry at his graduation, but the day he was drafted by the Titans … I cried. I was so proud of what this young man had accomplished, and it couldn't have happened to a nicer person than Keith.

KBFC: I know growing up there was a big age difference, but how would you describe your relationship with Keith now?

Kelvin: We're close. In fact Keith, our brother Brian and I are about as close as brothers can be. If we don't talk every day, we talk every other day. We're close.

Keith left a message on my answering machine one day telling me I was as close to a Dad as he could have. It was really nice to hear that. We have our own little ritual, even now that he's playing at a professional level. If there is a game that I can't make it to, we wait until the day after and then we talk football over the phone.

As close as we are though, Keith shocked me one day this winter he called and said "I need 10 minutes of your life." Of course as far as I'm concerned he could have all the time he needed … and he knows that. He told me he had a contract in front of him from the Titans … a long-term contract. I was a bit surprised and replied by pointing out the fact that he wasn't even due for contract negotiations this year.

Keith had been as surprised by the team's offer as I was, and that's why he was calling. To be honest … he probably knew what he wanted to do before he made the call, but he wanted to hear himself talk it out with someone he trusted. It was really great to be one of the people he could do that with. It means a lot that he knows I'm here for him.

KBFC: Is there something that you think fans might be surprised to learn about Keith?

Kelvin: I don't know if it will be a real surprise to all his fans, but some might think that it is surprising when a successful, single man Keith's age is so devoted to kids. He loves kids. He's always ready to do whatever, whenever, when it is about kids. My son Jared is in Nashville with him now. Keith always makes him feel special and he just likes hanging out with his uncle.

Another thing that you might be surprised to know is that Keith listens to rap music all day, but when the time comes to speak professionally … it's all business. He is very well spoken and handles himself with control and confidence

He's also developing into a pretty decent cook. Being out on your own will do that.

KBFC: Is there anything else you would like to share about Keith that you think fans would like to know.

Kelvin: Keith has a really special relationship with his Grandmother. She is the glue that held everything together when we were all growing up and is the reason why we are who we are today. She's a strong woman and Keith values her very much.

He and our Mother have found themselves growing much closer as well. They spend time together and it's a good time … and when she visits him he always wants her to make that chicken. (laughs) And Mom has become such a football fan these days. She is really enjoying the game, keeping up with the stats and wearing a Titans jersey when she goes around town. Earlier this year we had a mini family reunion with extended family that hadn't seen one another in a while. We were all going around the room and introducing ourselves, and when it was Mom's turn she stood up and said who she was and then talked about Keith since his schedule didn't allow him to attend. "You need to watch out. The Titans are special and my son has unfinished business." She told them.

KBFC: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Kelvin: Not at the moment, but give me some time to think and I'm sure we can come up with more.

KBFC: Maybe we can do this again soon?

Kelvin: Sure thing.

Note: Keith asks that this interview not be reproduced on other websites or message boards. Please feel free to link to the article, but do not copy to share. He wants to be sure that fans who come to this site can find things that aren't available anywhere else and appreciates your discretion.

Thank you so much.