Chad Kelly and Jim Kelly are two names that are well-known in the world of football. But what is their relationship? Are they brothers, cousins, or something else? In this article, we will explore the family tree of these two football stars and answer the question: is Chad Kelly related to Jim Kelly?
The Paternal Uncle-Nephew Bond
The answer is yes, Chad Kelly is related to Jim Kelly. They are paternal uncle and nephew. Jim Kelly is the younger brother of Chad’s father, Kevin Kelly. Despite their significant age difference of 24 years, one month, and 17 days, Chad and Jim have forged a bond that extends beyond the gridiron.
Jim Kelly is a legendary quarterback who played for the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1996. He led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. He is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
Chad Kelly is a quarterback who currently plays for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He made headlines in 2022 when he orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the CFL’s championship game, helping the Argonauts to a 24-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also played college football at Clemson and Ole Miss and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2017.
The Early Years
Chad Kelly was born on March 26, 1994, in Buffalo, New York. He spent his early years in Western New York, not far from where his uncle Jim was playing professional football. He showed a talent for football from a young age, winning four national championships in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions.
His family moved to Red Lion, Pennsylvania, when his father Kevin was assigned to a Wegmans supermarket in the area. However, Chad faced some disciplinary issues that resulted in his removal from the Red Lion High School football team. He then returned to Western New York and attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Tonawanda.
The College Career
Chad Kelly was a four-star recruit and ranked among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in his class. He committed to Clemson University to play college football in 2012. He redshirted his first year and appeared in five games as a freshman in 2013.
However, he was dismissed from the team in April 2014 for conduct detrimental to the program. He then transferred to East Mississippi Community College, where he led his team to a national championship and earned NJCAA All-American honors.
He then transferred again to Ole Miss, where he played for two seasons from 2015 to 2016. He was named first-team All-SEC in 2015 and second-team All-SEC in 2016. He also won the Sugar Bowl MVP award in 2016 after throwing for 302 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma State.
The Professional Career
Chad Kelly was selected by the Denver Broncos with the final pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him that year’s Mr. Irrelevant. He spent his rookie season on injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery.
He made his NFL debut in October 2018 against the Los Angeles Rams, completing one pass for negative one yard. However, he was released by the Broncos later that month after being arrested for trespassing.
He then signed with the Indianapolis Colts in May 2019 and was suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He appeared in one game for the Colts in December 2019, completing one pass for six yards.
He was waived by the Colts in September 2020 and spent some time on their practice squad before being released again in January 2021.
He then joined East Mississippi Community College as an offensive assistant coach for the spring season of 2021.
He then signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in June 2021 and became their starting quarterback midway through the season.
He led the Argonauts to a 9-5 record and a first-place finish in the East Division. He also helped them win their 18th Grey Cup title with a comeback victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on November 21, 2022.
He completed 22 of 37 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning touchdown pass to DaVaris Daniels with less than two minutes left in regulation.
The Family Legacy
Chad Kelly’s family legacy in football extends to his younger brother, Casey Kelly, who also played quarterback at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Mallard Creek High School. He then played tight end at Ole Miss, where he caught passes from his older brother.
Chad Kelly has also expressed his admiration and gratitude for his uncle Jim, who has been a mentor and a supporter for him throughout his career. He has also shown his affection for the Buffalo Bills, the team that his uncle Jim led to glory.
“It would be a dream come true playing QB for the Buffalo Bills and following in my uncle’s footsteps,” Chad once said.
Chad Kelly and Jim Kelly are more than just relatives. They are two football stars who share a passion, a bond, and a legacy.
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