By Darin Can a single player rewrite an entire university’s record book in just four years? At Colgate University, Kenny Gamble did exactly that. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Gamble arrived in Hamilton and immediately transformed the Red Raiders’ ground game, evolving from a standout freshman into the most prolific all-purpose weapon in the country. By the time he hoisted the first-ever Walter Payton Award, he had secured his legacy as the gold standard for FCS (then Division I-AA) football. Discover the journey of the man who turned “all-purpose yardage” into a highlight reel.
Football Bio
March 8, 1965 – Holyoke, Massachusetts – Running back extraordinaire with Colgate University from 1984 to 1987, Kenny Gamble was born. The FootballFoundation.org website states that Kenny led the nation in all-purpose yardage, 2,425, as well as with his 1816 rushing yardage.
Gamble was the top rusher at Colgate in all four seasons he played, setting 29 school records during his collegiate career. In 1987, he led the nation in Division I-AA all-purpose yards (2,097), was second in rushing yards (1,411), and won the Walter Payton Award as the nation’s best player at that level of football.
The National Football Foundation wisely chose to induct Kenny Gamble into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Kenny reached the pinnacle of playing in the NFL for the KC Chiefs for a few seasons.
Conclusion
Kenny Gamble’s career at Colgate serves as a masterclass in versatility and durability. His ability to dominate the game as both a pure rusher and a multi-dimensional threat allowed him to rack up over 7,000 career all-purpose yards—a staggering feat that earned him the inaugural Walter Payton Award. While his professional stint with the Kansas City Chiefs showcased his talent on the biggest stage, it is his legendary status as a 29-time school record holder that truly defines his impact. Today, Gamble remains one of the most decorated figures in the history of the Patriot League and a proud member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Walter Payton Award Winner (1987): The first-ever recipient of the award given to the top player in Division I-AA (FCS).
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2002.
- Two-Time First-Team All-American: (1986, 1987).
- Three-Time All-America Selection: Including second-team honors in 1985.
- ECAC Division I-AA Player of the Year: 1987.
- Colgate Career Rushing Leader: Finished with 5,220 rushing yards.
- NCAA Record Holder: At graduation, held the NCAA all-division record for career all-purpose yards (7,623).
- Colgate Records: Set 29 school records, including 29 games with 100+ rushing yards.
- Two-Time Andy Kerr Trophy Winner: Presented to Colgate’s offensive MVP.
- NFL Draft: Selected in the 10th round (251st overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
- NFL Career: Played three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs (1988–1990).
