Introduction
Kemal Ishmael (born May 6, 1991) is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round (243th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Florida.
College career
Ishmael played college football at University of Central Florida.
Professional career
Atlanta Falcons
In the 2013 NFL Draft, Ishmael was selected in the seventh round with the 243rd overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons.
2013 season
His rookie year, he got very little playing time. Head coach Mike Smith was worried he lacked the size and speed needed to start professionally and Ishmael was set to play behind veteran Thomas DeCoud and fellow rookie Zeke Motta. When both Motta and DeCoud were injured, Ishmael was active but only played three defensive snaps in all of 2013.
2014 season
On September 18, Ishmael got his first career interception off Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown on Thursday Night Football. From week 9 to 11, Ishmael had an interception in all three games.
2015 season
Ishmael played in all 16 games with five starts totalling 52 tackles with one interception against Blake Bortles and three passes defensed.
2016 season
Ishmael played in 13 games with four starts totaling 49 tackles playing at safety and linebacker throughout the season before being placed on injured reserve on December 16, 2016 with a shoulder injury.