Honorary doctorate 'unbelievable' says Kamara

Ex-footballer Chris Kamara was made an honorary Doctor of Health [KM Images/University of Bradford]

Ex-footballer and manager Chris Kamara MBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford.

The former Bradford City AFC player and manager, as well as pundit and TV presenter, was made a Doctor of Health on Wednesday.

Kamara, 68, said it was "unbelievable" to receive a doctorate, after failing his 11-plus 56 years ago.

"If I'm on any flight to anywhere in the world, and they ask if there's a doctor on board I am putting my hand up," he said.

In 2021, Kamara was diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a disorder that affects the way a person connects speech messages from their brain to their mouth.

He was given the award "in recognition of his exceptional dedication to raising awareness of speech apraxia and men's mental health, and his successful career as a footballer and sports personality," the university said.

But Kamara said his health was now good.

"I don't talk as quickly as I used to. I have accepted the new me.

"At first, I thought I would wake up and be fine and that it was all a bad dream. My speech is fluent. It doesn't break up anymore. I have gone full circle to accepting how I am now," he said.

Kamara was also recognised for his charity work - he has been a patron of Show Racism the Red Card since 1997 and is a national ambassador for cancer charity, Marie Curie.

He is also a patron of Prostate Cancer UK and Sunflowers Children's Action Group.

He was awarded an MBE for services to football, anti-racism and charity in the New Year's Honours list in 2023.

He said: "I'm in a position to give back and I don't know why so many other people don't do it because it gives you so much satisfaction to help others."

As a midfielder, Kamara played for Bradford City AFC between 1994 and 1995 and went on to manage the club, guiding the Bantams to promotion to the First Division in 1996.

He also supported Bantam of the Opera during Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations.

He thanked the city for its influence on his career.

"My career wouldn't have happened in TV if it wasn't for Bradford.

"I managed to get Bradford promoted in 1996 and that really launched me into the world of football and the world of TV. So I'm grateful to Bradford for everything they've given me," he said.

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