Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.

Episode 86:

Momence resident and two time NFL Super Bowl Champion, Ted Petersen, returns to Kankakee Podcast! This time, I’ve passed the mic to Ted to guest host and have a conversation with another Kankakee area NFL football legend, Jimmy Smith.

Smith made a statement on the football field here in Kankakee in his younger years, which eventually led to him becoming a running back in the NFL starting in 1984 for the Washington Redskins, Los Angelos Raiders, and the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, turning to drugs and alcohol cut Smith’s football career short.

Eventually, Smith became sober and returned to Kankakee to help kids steer clear of the path he led and to also help other addicts who are struggling with sobriety.

Around 2020, Jimmy opened up a halfway house and thrift store inside the old Homestead Restaurant in Kankakee called, We Stand For Christ Jesus Ministries.

There is actually a fundraiser for We Stand For Christ Jesus Ministries coming up this Thursday, February 23rd at 6pm at Van Drunen Farms on Route 17 in Momence.

If you would like to donate, but can’t make the fundraiser, you can mail a check to 1230 South East Avenue Kankakee, IL 60901, Cash App $WSFCJM, or make a deposit at First American Bank in the Meadowview Shopping Center in Kankakee under We Stand For Christ Jesus Ministries. 

A big thank you to Ted Petersen for guest hosting this episode and to Jimmy Smith for sharing his story with us!

Much Love,

Jake LaMore

P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast