 Kershaw grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended school with quarterback Matthew Stafford, and fellow pitchers Jordan Walden and Shawn Tolleson.In 2017 Stafford and Kershaw, members of the Highland Park High School class of 2006, were the highest-paid players in their respective leagues.One of his favorite players growing up was former Texas Rangers first baseman Will Clark, and the main reason he wears number 22 is to honor Clark.