After completing his undergraduate education at the University of Houston in 1952, Kimmel spent two years in the United States Army. He then spent four years in the National Football League – three years with the Washington Redskins and one year with the Green Bay Packers. He married Patricia Kirk in November 1957, had two daughters and five grandchildren.
After retiring from professional football, Kimmel came back to Houston, received a master's degree in petroleum engineering from Rice University and became a prominent and well-respected businessman. He founded and operated several successful engineering and manufacturing companies based in the Houston area. He received the University of Houston's Distinguished Engineering Award in 1999.
