Former NFL quarterback Chad Kelly, now a standout with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, endured a severe leg injury during a playoff game against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.
The gruesome injury left him visibly struggling to hold his leg together in a desperate attempt to contain the damage.
The sight of what happened caused some of his teammates to immediately look away.
Kelly, previously with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, was racing for a first down during a critical 2nd-and-10 play in the third quarter when Montreal’s Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund tackled him.
In the process, Adeyemi-Berglund’s weight fell on Kelly’s leg, and the Argonauts’ quarterback collapsed to the turf, unable to put any weight on it as he attempted to stand.
The broadcast captured Kelly clutching his lower leg as he lay on the field in obvious pain.
Teammate Dejon Allen, shaken by the sight, turned his back in visible distress as medics rushed to Kelly’s side.
Following the incident, the Argonauts announced Kelly had suffered both tibia and fibula fractures in his right leg.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the doctors and medical staff at Montreal General Hospital, as well as my family, teammates and team ownership, for standing by me throughout this experience,” Kelly said in a statement.
“The incredible outpouring of support from our fans means the world to me, and I’m truly grateful for all the messages I’ve received.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team for securing an outstanding win, and I’m thrilled we’re headed to the Grey Cup.
“While I regret not being able to play, I have full confidence in the team and staff to bring the cup home where it belongs. Thank you again for the incredible support – I’ll see you all soon!”
Kelly’s injury ended what had been a mixed performance, with 182 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 11-for-22 passing.
Following his exit, he was replaced by seasoned CFL quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who managed to guide the Argonauts to a tight 30-28 victory, securing their spot in the Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Kelly, the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, has faced many twists and turns throughout his career.
After a 2022 Grey Cup victory with Toronto, he was named the CFL’s most outstanding player and entered 2023 as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
However, his season began under a cloud, as he served a suspension under a “last-chance agreement” with the league following an investigation into a lawsuit by a former Toronto strength and conditioning coach alleging sexual harassment.
Before joining the CFL, Kelly had a short-lived NFL career, earning the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant” after being selected by the Broncos with the final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
His NFL tenure included a brief appearance with the Broncos but was cut short after he was arrested on suspicion of first-degree criminal trespassing; he later pled guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespassing.
Despite his setbacks, Kelly revitalized his career in the CFL, delivering a standout season in 2022 and becoming a fan favorite with the Argonauts.
His overall football journey included stints at Ole Miss, Clemson, and a junior college championship at East Mississippi Community College, where he showcased his resilience, toughness and talent.
Now, sidelined with a long road to recovery, Kelly’s hopes for another championship ride on his teammates as they prepare for the Grey Cup showdown.
What are your thoughts on Kelly’s injury? … Not that it’s a pleasant thing to think about, but what is the single most gruesome football injury you’ve ever seen???
