Growing up in Missoula, Dave Kempfert dreamed of wearing a Grizzly uniform. As a Hellgate Knight, he grew up around University of Montana athletics, where he learned the value of hard work from his parents, a mindset that would shape every chapter of his life.

Dave went on to become an All-American center, helped lead the Grizzlies to their first NCAA Division I-AA National Championship in 1995, and earned the opportunity to play in the NFL. Throughout his journey, he embraced a simple philosophy: focus on one day at a time. It was the approach that carried him from an undersized college player to the NFL, and it’s the perspective that continues to guide him today.

In this episode, Dave reflects on growing up in Missoula, playing for legendary coach Don Read, the unforgettable 1995 championship season, life in the NFL, and finding his purpose beyond football as Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee.

Most importantly, Dave shares why his greatest accomplishments aren’t found on a football field. He opens up about his wife, Allison, their children, Colin and Finley, and the joy of watching the next generation pursue their own dreams.

This is a conversation about family, toughness, grit, and the work ethic that defines so many Montanans. It’s about understanding that no one succeeds alone, that behind every accomplishment are parents, teammates, coaches, mentors, and a community willing to invest in one another. That’s what being Montana Made is all about.