By: Jonathan Goad

Chad Kelly has been released by the Denver Broncos after his latest incident. It’s something we (and Denver) should have seen coming.

Photo credit to USA Today

He has an awful track record of staying on teams. However, he’s been given second and third and fourth chances mostly because of his last name. Chad is the nephew of Buffalo Bills great QB Jim Kelly.

Way back in high school he was suspended by his team for an unknown reason. He then went on to become a four-star recruit after solid junior and senior years in high school.

Kelly then went on to Clemson to continue his football career. However, after he redshirted his first year in 2012 and only played in five games in 2013, he was dismissed from Clemson’s football team due to conduct detrimental to the team.

Does East Mississippi JuCo ring a bell? Probably because just like me, you’ve binge-watched the Netflix series Last Chance U. Chad Kelly played quarterback at East Mississippi after he was kicked off Clemson’s team. However, Kelly didn’t appear in the show. He played there the year before the first season of Last Chance U.

In December of 2014, Kelly was arrested after getting into a fight with bouncers outside a nightclub in Buffalo, New York. He was also charged with resisting arrest. He ended up taking a plea deal which led to him pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and the criminal charges being dropped.

Photo credit to Sporting News

He then transferred to Ole Miss where he had a solid two years before tearing his ACL in November 2016. He’s the only Ole Miss QB to beat Alabama, Auburn, and LSU in the same season. He was also the MVP of the 2016 All-State Sugar Bowl.

Kelly was drafted by the Broncos as Mr. Irrelevant, last pick in the draft, in 2017. He had been serving as the backup to Case Keenum after winning the job in the preseason.

His most recent incident saw him get arrested for first-degree criminal trespassing. Former teammate, Von Miller, threw a Halloween party which was supposed to be a team bonding event. Kelly left the party and entered the home of a couple and their child. They called the police and Kelly was arrested.

Photo credit to the Chicago Tribune

He is currently on waivers, likely to become a free agent. I seriously doubt any team will give him another shot. He’s been in enough trouble already. It’s hard for me to understand how someone gets so many second chances. I believe everyone deserves a chance to change. But to see Kelly continue to have issues is concerning. Having a famous last name (and your famous uncle vouch for you) probably helps him get these chances. And yes, Kelly was a talented QB in both high school and college. But does that make it okay for him to continue to get into trouble?

Chad Kelly, you had your chance(s). It’s time to get help. Take a page out of Johnny Manziel’s book. Sort out your priorities and then maybe head North. I’m sure the CFL will give you another shot, but your time in the NFL is likely over.