Robert Bailey

Robert Bailey is a former NFL cornerback and sports executive recognized for his contributions to professional football and mental health advocacy. Bailey played cornerback in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens, after playing college football at the University of Miami. He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Bailey became a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, and is known for holding the NFL record for the longest punt return—a 103-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints while with the Los Angeles Rams. He played in nine games before a broken neck sustained against the Green Bay Packers ended his career.

After his playing days, Bailey transitioned into the business side of professional sports, becoming an NFL agent and president of a major sports agency. He was also interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary "The U," which premiered on ESPN. Bailey’s experience as both an athlete and executive provided a platform for his advocacy work.

Following the loss of his daughter Kennedy to suicide at age 16, Bailey founded the Kennedy Kids Foundation, named in her honor. The foundation is dedicated to youth suicide prevention through mental health awareness, education, and equitable access to care. Under Bailey’s leadership, the Kennedy Kids Foundation has become a visible community organization, hosting events such as the annual Paint Walk for Teen Mental Health to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources for teens. The City of Aventura recognized the foundation’s impact by proclaiming Kennedy Kids Foundation Day.

Bailey is an active voice in the national conversation on youth mental health, drawing on his experiences as a professional athlete, grieving parent, and advocate. Through the Kennedy Kids Foundation, Bailey works to spread awareness, provide support, and prevent other families from experiencing similar loss, making significant contributions to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention in the sports community and beyond.