'People die on the street..' 49ers DT Javon Kinlaw gets candid about his ‘extremely tough’ childhood

Since becoming the San Francisco 49ers first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Javon Kinlaw has built a strong bond with teammate Arik Armstead. The 49ers defensive lineman is one of the players he can open up to.

During the recent episode of Armstead’s Third and One podcast, Kinlaw spoke about the side of his life that usually stays hidden under the glamor of football. Every individual comes from a different background and goes through different upbringings. Some lead an affluent life, while others are pushed into the horrors of society early on. Kinlaw fell into the latter part of it.

The 26-year-old was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He later moved to the States with his mother, Leesa James-Exum, and spent the better part of his childhood homeless in Washington, DC.

In the interview, Armstead brought up his non-profit organization that provides education and health facilities to kids in need. One of the primary targets of the foundation is sending underprivileged children to school. If they receive a proper education, then it will allow them to carve out a career for themselves.

However, Kinlaw asserted that sometimes a section of the population does not get that luxury. He was one of them.

I am a testament to it, man. When you come home, you ain't got no power, no water. You eat hot dogs every day and baloney sandwiches. You are not worried about school or seeing people die right in front of you. Right down the street from where your head is, it's like school; it's a joke. It can hinder your growth as a child. Kinlaw said