A "Night Out With Carolina" and Kevin Kasper, Wide Receiver for the Denver Broncos took place on May 16, 2002. We were picked up in a white Escalade, provided by Starz Limousine. Our ride for the evening!

Upon meeting Kevin, I was pleasantly surprised by his genuine good nature and kind disposition. Did I mention his good looks! Kevin is in great shape! This is probably due to his rigorous workout schedule and very disciplined eating habits. He avoids all fried foods, meats and dessert. Believe me it shows! Kevins choice for dinner was Sushi.

Kevin & Carolina @ Hapa Sushi

We headed for Hapas Sushi Bar and Grille in Cherry Creek. We tried flavored Sake shots and enjoyed a wide variety of "healthy sushi," none of the fried stuff. The owner and staff of Hapa were most gracious hosts.

Hapa gets two thumbs up from Kevin. He will definitely be returning.

Kevin & Carolina @ Hapa Sushi

On the ride to our next stop, Blue 67, Kevin was very eager to share the news of his recent engagement to his girlfriend of two years, Lisa. He and Lisa met at the University of Iowa.

It is no surprise this handsome high school, college and now pro football star gets lots of attention from the ladies! So, I had to ask, "What made you want to settle down? Why is Lisa so special?" His answer was simple, he said he can talk to her for hours and that no one has ever been able to keep his interest or attention the way she does! Lisa is very special. His face lights up when he talks about her!

Kevin w/ fiancée Lisa

Of course I had to get the details of the engagement. The night before he "popped the questions" was very stressful! He and Lisa attended a black-tie fund raising event sponsored Mr. and Mrs. Pat Bowlen. They sat at a table with some of his teammates. His teammates were nudging him, teasing him and dropping little remarks. He was afraid someone would ruin the surprise. Needless to say, he survived the night and everything remained hush, hush!

The next morning Kevin was still nervous! He and Lisa headed to Estes Park. He was ready to do itso he thought! He set the self-timer on the camera and they started taking photos. His intention was to pop the question while taking a photo. After taking over twenty photos he said, lets take one more Lisa said but we have taken so many his response was but in this one, I want you to be wearing something thus the question was asked, Lisa cried and said yes! They are both excited for the big day set for March 29th in Chicago, IL.

Kevin & Carolina @ Blue 67

We arrived at Blue 67s 2nd Anniversary celebration and fashion show. We were seated at the VIP table right next to the runway. We both enjoyed people watching and critiquing the clothes the models were wearing. I can honestly say Kevin is not use to such flashy clothes and purchasing an outfit was out of the question.

Kevin comes from a very close family. He was born and raised in BurrRidge, IL where his family still lives. He comes from a family of dentists. His father is an oral surgeon and his brothers Ed and Michael are both pursuing careers in the Dental field. Believe it or not, Kevin started out his college career in pre-dentistry but changed gears and went on pursue a degree in marketing and a career in pro-football. He laughed when he said, he believes sports were a big part of his upbringing because his mom wanted him out of the house. "Thanks Mom!"

Kevin & Carolina with Brooke Ray, director of marketing @ Blue 67

Exactly how does a star college football player feel when he is drafted by a #1 NFL team like the Denver Broncos? Let me tell you, the story plays out like a movie. Here is how the story goes: Picture this, Five rounds of the draft have come and gone. Kevin and his family are getting anxious. Everyone expected him to be picked in the second round and by the Denver Broncos. 

With time and days ticking by, it is no surprise he was home the day he received the good news! He had been pacing and sitting by the phone and TV for two days. Finally the call came! Well, the first call came. It was from the Buffalo Bills. A few minutes after hanging up the phone rang again. This time the voice on the phone said, "Mike Shanahan would like to speak to you." He could not hear very well because of the phone reception, so he stepped outside.

Kevin & Carolina with Francois Safieddine, owner of Blue 67

At the very minute he heard Mikes words, "We would like you to play for the Denver Broncos" he heard his family inside screaming and celebrating. It hit the news before he hung up the phone! "Kevin Kasper has been picked by the Broncos." Kevin packed his bags and moved to Colorado.

Since arriving in Colorado he has become close to his teammates. When asked if anyone stands out or makes a big impression on his life here in Denver? His answer was "Ed McCaffery." Kevin sees Ed as a mentor and a role model. He admires Eds work ethic and family values. He and Ed spend a lot of time together because they both play Wide Receiver.

Kevin's first day in the Bronco's locker room

His fans know that Kevin started his career with the Denver Broncos as kick-off return. He played in the first five home games until he injured his ankle. Before his injury, Kevin was the leading the NFL in kick off returns!  Through the support of his fiancé and family he recovered from his injury and returned to the field as starting Wide Receiver.

This down to earth family man and devoted athlete enjoyed the evening at Blue 67, but the club scenes are out for him. He said he spent so much time in nightclubs while growing up that he has lost interest in "clubbing." Although he was impressed by the facility and the VIP treatment he was ready to call it a night, or should I say morning at about 1AM. 

Kevin w/ fiancée Lisa at Invesco Field

Finally, Kevins dream is playing football but once the glory days are gone he has his sights set on becoming a sports announcer of some sort. In the mean time keep an eye out for this rising star as he is just starting to make his mark! GO BRONOCS!!!!

Thanks for a great "Night Out With Carolina"!

Besos y gracias 

Carolina