Chad Kelly
{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1994)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Chad Kelly
| image = 2023, 12, Chad Kelly (8).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Kelly with the Toronto Argonauts in 2023
| current_team = Toronto Argonauts
| number = 12
| position = Quarterback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|3|26}}
| birth_place = Buffalo, New York, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 216
| high_school = St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
(Tonawanda, New York)
| college = {{ubl|Clemson (2012–2013)|East Mississippi CC (2014)|Ole Miss (2015–2016)}}
| draftyear = 2017
| draftround = 7
| draftpick = 253
| currentteam =
| pastteams =
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2017|2018}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2019|2020}})
- Toronto Argonauts ({{CFL Year|2022}}–present)
| pastcoaching =
- East Mississippi CC (2021)
Offensive assistant coach
| status = Active
| cflstatus = American
| highlights =
- 2× Grey Cup champion (2022, 2024)
- CFL Most Outstanding Player (2023)
- CFL All-Star (2023)
- CFL East All-Star ({{CFL Year|2023}})
- Terry Evanshen Trophy ({{CFL Year|2023}})
- NJCAA National champion (2014)
- First-team All-SEC (2015)
- Second-team All-SEC (2016)
- Sugar Bowl MVP (2016)
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 1
| cflstatseason = 2024
| cflstatlabel1 = Passing completions
| cflstatvalue1 = 471
| cflstatlabel2 = Passing attempts
| cflstatvalue2 = 697
| cflstatlabel3 = Completion percentage
| cflstatvalue3 = 67.6%
| cflstatlabel4 = Passing yards
| cflstatvalue4 = 6,871
| cflstatvalue5 = 35–23
| pfr = KellCh00
| cfl = chad-kelly/161801/
}}
Chad Patrick Kelly (born March 26, 1994) is an American professional football quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels. The Denver Broncos selected him in the seventh round with the final pick of the 2017 NFL draft, making him that year's Mr. Irrelevant.
After several years as a reserve player on the Broncos and later the Indianapolis Colts, Kelly signed with the Argonauts, gaining success as a starter in the CFL. He won the CFL Most Outstanding Player in 2023, in addition to helping the Argonauts win two league championships.
Early life
Kelly was born to Charlene Cudzylo and Kevin Kelly, a supermarket manager and younger brother of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.{{Cite web |last=Paulling |first=Daniel |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Ole Miss' Chad Kelly credits father as big influence |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2016/07/14/ole-miss-chad-kelly-credits-father-big-influence/87101094/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=The Clarion-Ledger |language=en}} He spent his early years in Western New York, his mother's home area, not far from where his uncle Jim was playing professional football. Chad Kelly was a consistent strong performer in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions as a youth,{{Cite web |last=Aschoff |first=Edward |author-link=Edward Aschoff |date=September 30, 2015 |title=Aschoff: The risky, lucky and extremely talented Chad Kelly |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/13777602/ole-miss-rebels-qb-chad-kelly-takes-advantage-second-chance |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} becoming national champion four times. His family moved to Red Lion, Pennsylvania, after Kevin was assigned to a Wegmans in the area, but unexplained disciplinary issues removed Chad from the Red Lion High School football team, and he returned to Western New York.{{r|bn122015}}
Regarding Chad's early football career, a football coach once said, "Being Jim Kelly's nephew has been harder for him than it has helped him. A lot is expected of him because he’s Jim's nephew. He was never just 'Chad' or even 'Kevin Kelly’s son.' He was always 'Jim Kelly’s nephew.'"{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Tim |date=December 20, 2015 |title=Chad Kelly rises from the depths to college football's pinnacle |url=https://buffalonews.com/2015/12/19/chad-kelly-rises-from-the-depths-to-college-footballs-pinnacle/ |access-date=August 15, 2018 |website=The Buffalo News}}
Jim Kelly said of his nephew, "Athletic ability, Chad has more than I had", with "a freaking rocket for an arm".{{r|bn122015}} Kelly attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Tonawanda, New York.{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Kelly throws five TD passes as St. Joseph's Collegiate of Buffalo tops Monsignor Farrell, 47–32 |url=https://www.silive.com/highschoolsports/article/kelly-throws-five-td-passes-as-st-josephs-collegiate-of-buffalo-tops-monsignor-farrell-47-32/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=SILive.com |language=en-US}} He passed for 2,159 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 1,059 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.{{Cite web |last=Wawrow |first=John |date=June 16, 2011 |title=Jim Kelly's nephew, QB Chad Kelly, chooses Clemson |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-jim-kellys-nephew-qb-chad-kelly-chooses-clemson-2011jun16-story.html |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} He passed for 3,050 yards, 27 touchdowns and rushed for 991 yards with 14 touchdowns as a senior.{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Graham |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Chad Kelly has fightin' words for Clemson's other backup QB |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/chad-kelly-fightin-words-clemson-backup-qb-cole-182345699.html |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}} He was rated by Rivals.com as a four-star recruit and was ranked among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in his class.{{Cite web |title=Chad Kelly, 2012 Dual Threat Quarterback |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2012/chad-kelly-26780?view=pv |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} Kelly committed to Clemson University to play college football.{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2011 |title=Chad Kelly commits to Clemson |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/25641/chad-kelly-commits-to-clemson |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}
College career
=Clemson=
Kelly was redshirted his first year at Clemson in 2012.{{Cite web |last=Donohue |first=Pat |date=August 10, 2015 |title=The Chad Kelly story: How the QB came to enroll at Ole Miss |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/ole-miss-football/the-chad-kelly-story/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}} As a freshman in 2013, he appeared in five games, passing for 58 yards and rushing for 117 yards with a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Chad Kelly 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chad-kelly-1/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In April 2014, Kelly was dismissed from Clemson's football team due to conduct detrimental to the team.{{Cite web |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=April 14, 2014 |title=Clemson drops Kelly for detrimental conduct |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10782554/clemson-tigers-dismiss-qb-chad-kelly-conduct-detrimental-team |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
=East Mississippi=
He transferred to East Mississippi Community College, where he spent one year. In his lone season with the Lions, he started 12 games and threw for 3,906 yards with 47 touchdowns and eight interceptions.{{Cite web |last=Stukenborg |first=Phil |date=August 5, 2015 |title=Ole Miss quarterback hopeful Chad Kelly attracts the spotlight |url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/sec/ole-miss-quarterback-hopeful-chad-kelly-attracts-the-spotlight-ep-1218750814-324452831.html |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=www.commercialappeal.com |language=en}} He led East Mississippi to a 12–0 record and victory in the NJCAA National Football Championship.{{Cite web |last=DeSalvo |first=Reed |date=December 8, 2014 |title=East Mississippi CC claims NJCAA national championship |url=http://www.meridianstar.com/sports/east-mississippi-cc-claims-njcaa-national-championship/article_d2fc2a7c-7e93-11e4-bcd1-736ed0ffcf1e.html |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Meridian Star |language=en}}
=Ole Miss=
In December 2014, Kelly committed to the University of Mississippi under head coach Hugh Freeze.{{Cite web |last=Stephenson |first=Creg |date=December 10, 2014 |title=East Mississippi QB Chad Kelly commits to Ole Miss |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/12/east_mississippi_qb_chad_kelly.html |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Blevins |first=Riley |date=December 10, 2014 |title=East Mississippi QB Chad Kelly commits to Ole Miss |url=http://www.clarionledger.com/story/recruitingreport/2014/12/10/east-mississippi-qb-chad-kelly-commits-to-ole-miss/20211607/ |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=The Clarion-Ledger}} In his first year at Ole Miss, Kelly was named the starting quarterback.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2015 |title=Freeze names Kelly starter at QB, expects others to play |url=https://www.meridianstar.com/sports/freeze-names-kelly-starter-at-qb-expects-others-to-play/article_69ca5b2c-5062-11e5-a1a1-376813d85d11.html |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Meridian Star |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last1=Kellenberger |first1=Hugh |last2=Wright |first2=Jeffrey |date=August 31, 2015 |title=Chad Kelly is Ole Miss' starter in week 1, at least |url=http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/olemisssports/2015/08/31/chad-kelly-ole-miss-starter-week-1-least/71465658/ |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=The Clarion-Ledger}}
Kelly played in his first game with Mississippi on September 5, 2015, against UT Martin and completed 9 for 15 pass attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 20-yard rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Chad Kelly shines in Ole Miss debut |url=https://www.wkbw.com/sports/college/chad-kelly-shines-in-ole-miss-debut |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204053800/https://www.wkbw.com/sports/college/chad-kelly-shines-in-ole-miss-debut |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=WKBW |language=en-US}} On September 19, 2015, he led Ole Miss to its second victory ever at Tuscaloosa. In the 43–37 victory over No. 2 Alabama, he completed 18 out of 33 passes for 341 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Bizarre touchdown helps No. 15 Ole Miss upset No. 2 Alabama, 43–37 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/bizarre-touchdown-helps-ole-upset-alabama-43-37-article-1.2367181 |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=NY Daily News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} On November 7, 2015, Kelly accounted for 478 total yards and six touchdowns against Arkansas. Although he completed 24-of-34 passes for 368 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, Mississippi lost to Arkansas, 53–52, in overtime.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2015 |title=Arkansas at Ole Miss Box Score, November 7, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-11-07-mississippi.html |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The following week, he threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two touchdowns in a 38–17 victory over No. 15 LSU.{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2015 |title=No. 25 Ole Miss defeats slumping No. 17 LSU |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2015/11/21/no-25-mississippi-beats-no-17-lsu-38-17/76194382/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=USA Today |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} On January 1, 2016, he helped lead Ole Miss to a 48–20 victory over No. 16 Oklahoma State in the 2016 All-State Sugar Bowl.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Ole Miss cruises to 48–20 win over Oklahoma St in Sugar Bowl |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-ole-miss-cruises-to-48-20-win-over-oklahoma-st-in-2016jan01-story.html |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} He won Sugar Bowl MVP Honors after accounting for 21 completions out of 33 passes for 302 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Kelly also led the team with 73 rushing yards on 10 carries. His 4 passing touchdowns tied a Sugar Bowl record and were most ever by a Rebels' quarterback in the Sugar Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Chad Kelly Biography |url=http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/chad_kelly_946513.html |access-date=October 15, 2016 |website=Ole Miss Rebels Athletics}}
Kelly finished his first season with Ole Miss with 298 of 458 (65.1%) completions for 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also accounted for 10 rushing touchdowns while appearing in all 13 games.{{Cite web |title=Chad Kelly 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chad-kelly-1/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} While finishing the season with a 10–3 record, he became the first Ole Miss quarterback to lead the Rebels with victories over Alabama, Auburn, and LSU in the same season.{{Cite web |title=2015 Ole Miss Rebels Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/mississippi/2015-schedule.html |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sattell |first=Glenn |date=March 23, 2016 |title=Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Johnny Manziel, Dak Prescott … Chad Kelly? |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/ole-miss-football/chad-kelly-all-time-great/ |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}
Kelly returned for his senior season in 2016. On November 5, 2016, Kelly suffered an injury during a 37–27 victory over Georgia Southern.{{Cite web |title=Georgia Southern at Ole Miss Box Score, November 5, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-11-05-mississippi.html |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Stephensen |first=Creg |date=November 5, 2016 |title=Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly leaves game vs. Georgia Southern due to injury |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/11/ole_miss_qb_chad_kelly_leaves.html |access-date=July 26, 2017 |website=The Birmingham News}} The following day, it was reported that he would miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL and a torn lateral meniscus.{{Cite web |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=November 6, 2016 |title=Chad Kelly to undergo season-ending knee surgery |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chad-kelly-to-undergo-season-ending-knee-surgery-0ap3000000734982 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} On February 16, 2017, the NFL rescinded an offer previously made to Kelly to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.{{Cite web |last=Rodak |first=Mike |date=February 15, 2017 |title=NFL rescinds combine invite for former Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/18694592/chad-kelly-former-ole-miss-rebels-quarterback-disinvited-combine |access-date=February 16, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="8"| Passing ! colspan="4"| Rushing | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | |
| colspan="16" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Clemson Tigers}}"| Clemson Tigers | ||||||||||||
| 2013 | Clemson
| 10 || 17 || 58.8 || 58 || 3.4 || 0 || 0 || 87.5 || 16 || 117 || 7.3 || 1 | |||||||||||
| colspan="16" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Arkansas State Red Wolves}}"| East Mississippi Lions | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | East Mississippi
| 303 || 453 || 66.9 || 3,906 || 8.6 || 47 || 8 || 170.0 || 69 || 446 || 6.5 || 4 | |||||||||||
| colspan="16" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Ole Miss Rebels}}"| Ole Miss Rebels | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | Ole Miss
| 298 || 458 || 65.1 || 4,042 || 8.8 || 31 || 13 || 155.9 || 106 || 509 || 4.8 || 10 | |||||||||||
| 2016 | Ole Miss
| 205 || 328 || 62.5 || 2,758 || 8.4 || 19 || 8 || 147.4 || 81 || 332 || 4.1 || 5 | |||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chad-kelly-1.html Career] | 513 | 803 | 63.9 | 6,858 | 8.5 | 50 | 21 | 150.9 | 203 | 958 | 4.7 | 16 |
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1 3/4
| weight = 228
| arm span = 32
| hand span = 9 1/8
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=123842&DraftYear=2017 |title=2017 Draft Scout Chad Kelly, Mississippi NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}{{Cite web |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/51568 |title=Chad Kelly 2017 NFL Draft Profile |website=insider.espn.com |access-date=December 29, 2022}}
}}
=Denver Broncos=
File:Chad Kelly 2018.JPG in 2018]]
Kelly was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round, 253rd overall, the last selection in the 2017 NFL draft (Mr. Irrelevant).{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Max |date=April 29, 2017 |title=Broncos tab Chad Kelly as 2017's Mr. Irrelevant |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-tab-chad-kelly-as-2017-s-mr-irrelevant-0ap3000000805002 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list after having offseason wrist surgery.{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Andrew |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Broncos trim roster at deadline |url=http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-trim-roster-at-deadline/234c49ac-2b09-496b-9175-b8fdc28f39dd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130182211/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-trim-roster-at-deadline/234c49ac-2b09-496b-9175-b8fdc28f39dd |archive-date=November 30, 2017 |website=DenverBroncos.com}}
Going into mini-camps for the 2018 season, he would compete with 2016 first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch for the backup quarterback role behind newly acquired Case Keenum. On August 13, 2018, Kelly was promoted to second-team to act as Keenum's backup.{{Cite web |last=Heath |first=Jon |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly will compete for Broncos' No. 2 QB job |url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/28/nfl-news-denver-broncos-paxton-lynch-chad-kelly-backup-qb-battle/ |access-date=October 23, 2018 |website=Broncos Wire |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=May 1, 2018 |title=John Elway: Broncos not giving up on Paxton Lynch |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/john-elway-broncos-not-giving-up-on-paxton-lynch-0ap3000000930840 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 6 of the 2018 season, Kelly appeared in his first NFL game, kneeling for a one-yard loss at the end of the first half.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos – October 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810140den.htm |access-date=December 3, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On October 24, 2018, the Broncos released Kelly following his arrest on suspicion of first-degree criminal trespassing.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Chad Kelly released by Broncos day after arrest |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chad-kelly-released-by-broncos-day-after-arrest-0ap3000000977922 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} He allegedly entered a couple's place of residence after leaving teammate Von Miller’s Halloween party.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Noelle |date=October 23, 2019 |title=Broncos backup QB Chad Kelly arrested after allegedly entering strangers' home, sitting on couch and mumbling incoherently |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/10/23/broncos-qb-chad-kelly-arrested/ |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=DenverPost.com}} On March 20, 2019, Kelly pleaded guilty to misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespassing for the incident.{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Ex-Broncos QB Kelly pleads guilty to trespassing |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26315480/ex-broncos-qb-kelly-pleads-guilty-trespassing |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}
=Indianapolis Colts=
On May 20, 2019, Kelly signed with the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=May 20, 2019 |title=Colts Sign Quarterback Chad Kelly |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-quarterback-chad-kelly |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Colts.com}} He was suspended the first two games of the 2019 season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=May 31, 2019 |title=NFL suspends Colts' Chad Kelly two games |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/05/31/nfl-suspends-colts-chad-kelly-two-games/ |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}} After being reinstated from suspension, he was waived on September 18, 2019.{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Colts Waive QB Chad Kelly |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-waive-qb-chad-kelly |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Colts.com}} He was re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Colts Sign QB Chad Kelly To Practice Squad |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-qb-chad-kelly-to-practice-squad |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=Colts.com}} He was promoted to the active roster on November 9, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=November 9, 2019 |title=Colts Bring Up WR Marcus Johnson, QB Chad Kelly To Active Roster |url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-bring-up-wr-marcus-johnson-qb-chad-kelly-to-active-roster |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Colts.com}}
On September 5, 2020, Kelly was waived by the Colts and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Colts Announce Final 2020 Roster Cuts |url=https://www.colts.com/news/chad-kelly-chase-mclaughlin-final-roster-cuts-2020-season |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Colts.com}}{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2020 |title=Roster Moves: T Chaz Green Brought Back To Active Roster, DT Sheldon Day To IR, 14 Signed To Practice Squad |url=https://www.colts.com/news/chad-kelly-chaz-green-sheldon-day-roster-moves-practice-squad |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Colts.com}} He was released on September 30.{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2020 |title=Practice Squad Moves: Colts Bring Back WR Krishawn Hogan; Release QB Chad Kelly |url=https://www.colts.com/news/krishawn-hogan-chad-kelly-roster-moves-practice-squad |access-date=July 12, 2021 |website=Colts.com}}
After being released from the Colts, Kelly temporarily stepped away from his professional playing career and returned to East Mississippi where he briefly worked as an offensive coach.{{Cite web |last=Wojton |first=Nick |date=February 5, 2023 |title=Chad Kelly wants another chance in the NFL |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/05/chad-kelly-another-chance-nfl-buffalo-bills-josh-allen/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Bills Wire |publisher=USA Today}}
= Toronto Argonauts =
On February 11, 2022, Kelly signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2022 |title=Toronto Argonauts sign American quarterback Chad Kelly |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/2022/02/11/toronto-argonauts-sign-american-quarterback-chad-kelly.html |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=thestar.com |language=en}} In the Argos first preseason game Kelly completed seven of 12 pass attempts for 78 yards.{{Cite web |title=2022-05-27 Game Tracker – Toronto Argonauts vs. Ottawa Redblacks (6203) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6203/ |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}} He completed eight of 15 pass attempts in his second preseason game, throwing for 85 yards with one touchdown and one interception.{{Cite web |title=2022-06-03 Game Tracker – Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Toronto Argonauts (6208) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6208/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}} The Argos released Antonio Pipkin as part of the team's final roster cuts, which promoted Kelly to the role of backup quarterback to veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson to begin the 2022 season.{{Cite news |last=Zicarelli |first=Frank |date=May 29, 2022 |title=Chad Kelly moves up Argos' QB depth chart to No. 2 with release of veteran Pipkin |url=https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/chad-kelly-moves-up-argos-qb-depth-chart-to-no-2-with-release-of-veteran-pipkin |access-date=July 5, 2022 |newspaper=Toronto Sun |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=June 9, 2022 |title=As CFL kicks off season, Toronto QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is keeping his dream alive |url=https://www.espn.com/cfl/story/_/id/34053232/as-cfl-kicks-season-toronto-qb-mcleod-bethel-thompson-keeping-dream-alive |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Kelly served as the backup quarterback for the entire season before being named the team's starting quarterback for the Argo's final match of the regular season.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=October 28, 2022 |title=QB Kelly to start final regular season game for Argonauts - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/chad-kelly-start-toronto-argonauts-montreal-alouettes-1.1869930 |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=TSN |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2022-10-29 Game Tracker - Montreal Alouettes vs. Toronto Argonauts (6289) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6289/ |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}} In the 109th Grey Cup, after Bethel-Thompson injured his throwing hand in the fourth quarter, Kelly came off the bench with the Argos trailing 23–17 and helped lead them to a 24–23 win against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2022 |title=Toronto Argonauts win 109th Grey Cup Winnipeg Blue Bombers |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-win-109th-grey-cup-winnipeg-blue-bombers-1.1881228 |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}} He completed four of six passes for 43 yards and rushed twice for 21 yards, including a 20-yard run to convert a second and 15 on the team's game-winning touchdown drive.{{Cite web |title=Game Tracker - Toronto Argonauts vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6296/toronto-argonauts-vs-winnipeg-blue-bombers/ |publisher=Canadian Football League |access-date=December 31, 2022}}
Kelly started the Argos 2023 campaign as the starting quarterback, with a 32–14 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.{{cite news |author1=The Canadian Press |title=Kelly directs Argos to season-opening win over Tiger-Cats |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/chad-kelly-directs-toronto-argonauts-to-season-opening-win-over-hamilton-tiger-cats-1.1974936 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |publisher=TSN}} On August 31, 2023, Kelly and the Argos agreed to a three-year contract extension worth a total of $1.865 million, making him the highest paid player in the league.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly to be CFL's highest-paid player, agent says |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-qb-chad-kelly-to-be-cfl-s-highest-paid-player-agent-says-1.2002128 |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=August 31, 2023 |title=More swag: QB Chad Kelly signs three-year contract extension with Toronto Argos |url=https://3downnation.com/2023/08/31/more-swag-qb-chad-kelly-signs-three-year-contract-extension-with-argos/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}} The team would go 16–2 though lost to the eventual champion Montreal in the East final. Following the season Kelly won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award.
On May 7, 2024, the CFL announced that Kelly was suspended for at least nine games after an investigation into allegations made against him and the Argonauts by a former strength and conditioning coach.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-07 |title=CFL's Chad Kelly suspended at least 9 games after investigation into ex-coach's lawsuit |url=https://apnews.com/article/cfl-chad-kelly-8057d6c89e1260767c7f9786547bea3a |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=AP News |language=en}} On August 18, he was reinstated by the CFL on a "last-chance agreement" that requires him to follow a number of confidential conditions.{{cite web | url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/cfl-reinstates-argonauts-quarterback-chad-kelly/ | title=CFL reinstates Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly with conditions | publisher=sportsnet.ca | date=August 18, 2024 | accessdate=18 August 2024}} Kelly played in nine games for the Argonauts, starting in eight, where he had 175 completions, 2,451 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.{{cite web|url=https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024-CFL-League-Statistics-Week-21-1.pdf |title=2024 CFL statistics |publisher=Canadian Football League |access-date=November 22, 2024}} In his first playoff start since his disastrous playoff starting debut in 2023, Kelly completed 18 of 20 passes for 358 yards and four touchdowns, for an uncapped passer rating of 218.3, which was the second highest of any CFL game ever.{{cite news |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2024/10/19/argos-hold-off-redblacks-to-secure-home-playoff-game/ |title=Argos hold off Redblacks to secure home playoff game |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=October 19, 2024}} In the East Final game against the Montreal Alouettes on November 9, Kelly was involved in a play in which Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund fell on his right leg, resulting in tibia and fibula fractures.{{Cite web|title=Former Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly sustains horrific leg injury during CFL action|url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/ole-miss-football/former-ole-miss-qb-chad-kelly-sustains-horrific-leg-injury-during-cfl-action/|access-date=November 11, 2024|website=saturdaydownsouth.com|language=en}} He subsequently underwent surgery to repair the fractures and was given a recovery timetable of roughly six months.{{Cite web|title=Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has surgery on tibia and fibula|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/argonauts-quarterback-chad-kelly-has-surgery-on-tibia-and-fibula/|access-date=November 11, 2024|website=sportsnet.ca|language=en}} In his absence, Nick Arbuckle started the 111th Grey Cup where the Argonauts defeated the Blue Bombers and Kelly won his second championship.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6486/winnipeg-blue%20bombers-vs-toronto-argonauts/#playbyplay |title=Play-by-Play, 111th Grey Cup |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=November 17, 2024}}
Professional statistics
File:2022, Stampeders at Argonauts 08.jpg
| class="wikitable" |
| colspan="2"| Legend |
|---|
| style="width:3em;"| Bold
| League career high |
= NFL =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="8"| Passing ! colspan="4"| Rushing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | |
| 2017 | DEN
| 0 || 0 || colspan="12"| Did not play due to injury | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | DEN
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 1 || −1 || −1.0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2019 | IND
| 0 || 0 || colspan="12" rowspan="2"| {{abbr|DNP|Did not play}} | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | IND
| 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KellCh00.htm Career] | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | −1 | −1.0 | 0 |
= CFL =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="3"| Games ! colspan="8"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} | {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | |
| 2022 | TOR
| 18 || 1 || 0–1 || 26 || 45 || 57.8 || 297 || 6.6 || 2 || 3 || 64.8 || 25 || 137 || 5.5 || 42 || 6 | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | TOR
| 18 || 16 || 15–1 || 270 || 394 || 68.5 || 4,123 || 10.5 || 23 || 12 || 109.6 || 40 || 248 || 6.2 || 18 || 8 | |||||||||||||||
| 2024 | TOR
| 9 || 8 || 5–3 || 175 || 258 || 67.8 || 2,451 || 9.5 || 10 || 8 || 98.2 || 48 || 214 || 4.5 || 18 || 5 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.cfl.ca/players/chad-kelly/161801/ Career] | 45 | 25 | 20–5 | 471 | 697 | 67.4 | 6,848 | 9.8 | 35 | 23 | 102.3 | 113 | 599 | 5.3 | 42 | 19 |
Personal life
Kelly's younger brother Casey also played quarterback for St. Joseph's and Mallard Creek High School.{{Cite web |last=Fornelli |first=Tom |date=October 7, 2016 |title=WATCH: Ole Miss' Chad Kelly storms field during brawl at brother's high school game |url=http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/watch-ole-miss-chad-kelly-storms-the-field-during-brawl-at-high-school-game/ |access-date=October 16, 2016 |website=CBS Sports}}{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Miguel |date=July 26, 2018 |title=Casey Kelly leaving St. Joe's for North Carolina power |url=https://buffalonews.com/2018/07/26/casey-kelly-leaving-st-joes-for-north-carolina-power/ |access-date=February 10, 2019 |website=The Buffalo News |language=en-us}}
In December 2014, Kelly was arrested following an altercation outside of a Buffalo, New York, nightclub in which he fought with bouncers and resisted arrest. Criminal charges were dropped in exchange for his plea of guilty to disorderly conduct, and he was ordered to complete fifty hours of community service.{{Cite web |last=Hinnen |first=Jerry |date=January 5, 2015 |title=Ole Miss QB signee Chad Kelly reaches plea deal following arrest |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ole-miss-qb-signee-chad-kelly-reaches-plea-deal-following-arrest/ |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com}}
In early 2024, Kelly was named in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit by a former Toronto Argonaut coach, with allegations that Kelly had made attempts of "unwanted romantic advances and escalating into instances of threatening language" leading to the coach’s dismissal upon reporting the incidents. The lawsuit prompted a denial by Kelly and a league investigation.{{cite web | agency=The Canadian Press | title=Argos quarterback Chad Kelly denies allegations by former colleague | website=CTV News | date=2024-03-01 | url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/argos-quarterback-kelly-denies-harassment-allegations-made-by-former-team-employee-1.6791335 | access-date=2024-10-24}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Twitter}}
- [https://www.argonauts.ca/players/chad-kelly/161801/ Toronto Argonauts bio]
- [http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/chad_kelly_946513.html Ole Miss Rebels bio]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064621/http://www.clemsontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205530513 Clemson Tigers bio]
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