Klemm is proof that every dog has its day

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Adrian Klemm and dog, Honey, were in USA Today. Associated Press

Former University of Hawai'i football player Adrian Klemm's life has gone to the dogs.

In USA Today last month, Klemm and one of his three dogs, Honey, a Labrador retriever, were featured in an advertisement for pet food.

"It was a nice little picture," said Klemm, whose life is also the picture of success.

He is a projected starting offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, and he recently moved into a suburban house he helped design. In addition to his dogs, the spacious house is filled with other undisclosed creature comforts.

"Can't discuss it," Klemm said, adding he will never be a guest on the celebrity home show, "Cribs."

"That's how you get robbed," he said, laughing. "All I can say is it's nicely decorated. It's a nice house. It's built from scratch."

Klemm's career also has developed nicely. He said he has fully recovered from last year's knee surgery that abbreviated his rookie season.

Klemm was expected to play left tackle, his position as a senior at UH in 1999. But injuries led to a shuffling of the Patriots' offensive line, with Klemm moving to left guard.

"It doesn't matter," Klemm said. "As long as I get to play."

Two days ago, Klemm suffered an elbow injury in practice. A television report announced Klemm would miss up to six weeks.

"I heard someone say that," Klemm said. "It's actually day-to-day. People assume the worst, but it wasn't that serious. We'll see."

Klemm said he hopes to be ready for Friday's exhibition against the New York Giants.

For now, Klemm said he is enjoying his growth in the National Football League. Last year, the Patriots played on a frozen field in Buffalo. Against Kansas City, the wind-chill was close to zero degrees.

"As the season progressed, I gradually got used to it," Klemm said. "It could be 30 degrees now, and I can wear shorts."

Klemm said he remains close to several former teammates. He visited Phil Austin and Dwight Carter last month, and Rinda Brooks came to New England two weeks ago. He said Robby Robinson is house-sitting.

"Rob's taking care of the dogs, watching the place," Klemm said. "My old teammates are great friends. You can trust them."