Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly endured a terrifying injury during Saturday's Canadian Football League (CFL) East Division Finals against the Montreal Alouettes. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Kelly, running for a first down on a 2nd-and-10 play, was tackled in a way that resulted in a gruesome injury to his right leg.
As Kelly was brought down during the tackle, Montreal defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund fell directly onto his leg. The impact was so severe that Kelly's leg appeared to snap, causing immediate concern from players, coaches, and fans alike. On the TSN broadcast, Kelly was seen limping and trying to stabilize his leg before collapsing to the field in agony.
Emotional scenes on the field
The injury sent shockwaves through the Argonauts' sideline. Offensive lineman Dejon Allen was visibly distressed after witnessing his teammate’s injury, falling to the ground in emotional disbelief. Kelly, unable to move under his power, had to be stretchered off the field, leaving his team to rally in his absence.
Nick Arbuckle, the Argonauts’ backup quarterback, stepped in to replace Kelly. Despite the emotional setback, Arbuckle led Toronto to a dramatic 30-28 victory over Montreal, securing a spot in the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, the CFL's championship game.
Chad Kelly's recovery and surgery
According to CFL insider Dave Naylor of TSN, Kelly is expected to undergo surgery on his tibia. Doctors anticipate a lengthy recovery, with Kelly's timeline for return ranging from six to nine months. The injury comes at a tough time, with Kelly playing a pivotal role in the Argonauts' success this season.
Kelly’s career journey: From NFL to CFL star
Chad Kelly's journey to the CFL has been a winding one. Best known for his college success at Ole Miss, Kelly first rose to prominence after transferring from East Mississippi Community College, where he won a national championship. At Ole Miss, Kelly became a first-team All-SEC quarterback, showcasing his potential.
He was selected in the 2017 National Football League (NFL) Draft as the final pick famously dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant" by the Denver Broncos. Kelly’s NFL career was short-lived, with only one appearance in a regular-season game, where he famously kneeled out the clock in a 2018 game.
Kelly's NFL career was marred by off-field issues, including an arrest for criminal trespassing in 2018. Despite these setbacks, the Indianapolis Colts signed him in 2019, but he struggled to make an impact and was released in 2020.
After a brief coaching stint at East Mississippi CC, Kelly resumed his playing career in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts. His time in Canada has been marked by success, including a 2022 Grey Cup victory and a standout 2023 season that saw him named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.
Looking ahead: Grey Cup and the Argonauts' future
As Kelly focuses on his recovery, the Toronto Argonauts are preparing for the upcoming Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. While Kelly will be sidelined, his leadership and contributions this season have been crucial to the Argonauts' playoff push, and his teammates are determined to win the championship in his honour.
