Tag: Kelly

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Eagles’ Jalen Hurts added to Pro Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown were added Tuesday to the NFC roster for the upcoming Pro Bowl.

Gibbs is replacing San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, whose team defeated the Lions in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. The 49ers will compete in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

St. Brown is taking the place of Philadelphia Eagles injured wideout A.J. Brown, while the Eagles are sending two of their own to the Pro Bowl. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is replacing Niners quarterback Brock Purdy, and cornerback Darius Slay will replace San Francisco cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark and Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham also were added to the NFC roster. They will replace 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, respectively.

Also, Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler, New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and center Ryan Kelly have been added to the AFC roster. Zeitler is replacing Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney and Johnson will take the place of Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack. The Colts duo is replacing Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey, respectively.

Gibbs, 21, had 182 carries for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 52 catches for 316 yards and a score in 15 games this season. He was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall of the 2023 NFL Draft.

St. Brown, 24, recorded a career-high totals in catches (119), receiving yards (1,515) and touchdowns (10) in 16 games this season.

Hurts, 25, passed for career highs of 3,858 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 17 games (all starts) this season. He also rushed for a career-high 15 scores.

Slay, 33, had 57 tackles and two interceptions in 12 starts this year before having arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-December. This marks Slay’s sixth nomination to the Pro Bowl.

Clark, 28, had 7.5 sacks, 44 tackles and two forced fumbles in 17 games (all starts) this season.

Ham, 30, provides a presence in the backfield that overshadows his statistics. He had one carry for seven yards and seven catches for 25 yards in 17 games (five starts) this season.

Zeitler, 33, will be headed to his first Pro Bowl after starting all 15 games in which he has played this season.

Johnson, 25, recorded 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 17 games (all starts) this season.

Buckner, 29, has eight sacks, 81 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown in 17 games (16 starts) this season.

Kelly, 30, started all 14 games in which he played this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Colts QB Anthony Richardson still in concussion protocol

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson remains in concussion protocol as of Monday afternoon, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen said.

Richardson and starting center Ryan Kelly, who’s also in the protocol, must participate in a non-contact and a contact practice in order to be cleared from the protocol ahead of Week 4’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams next Sunday.

Steichen does not yet know if Richardson will return when practice resumes Wednesday.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in April’s draft, was named the Colts’ No. 1 quarterback during training camp. He suffered the concussion in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.

Gardner Minshew started Week 3 for Indianapolis (2-1) at the Baltimore Ravens and completed 27 of 44 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown in the Colts’ 22-19 overtime win.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) speaks with media Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, after fellow quarterback Anthony Richardson was named the starter.

Colts QB Gardner Minshew in line to start vs. Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew is in line to start this weekend after rookie Anthony Richardson sat out practice for the third consecutive day on Friday due to a concussion.

Minshew likely will be under center for the Colts (1-1) on Sunday against the host Baltimore Ravens (2-0).

Also on Friday, three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly did not participate in practice.

Minshew, 27, relieved Richardson in Indianapolis’ 31-20 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday and completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards. He also tossed a touchdown pass to tight end Kylen Granson.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, was forced out of last Sunday’s contest for the second time in two career games when he absorbed a hard hit.

The Colts led the Texans 14-0 behind two Richardson TD runs when he left to be evaluated for a concussion. He was assisted to the sideline in the final minute of the game after trying to run the ball in for a score in a 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10.

Richardson, 21, is 30-of-47 passing for 279 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also has 13 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) looks out on the field during warmups Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, before the regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts C Ryan Kelly mourning death of baby daughter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly and wife, Emma, are grieving over the death of a baby daughter.

According to the Kellys, Emma was 19 weeks pregnant when doctors told the family last Thursday that the heart of daughter Mary Kate had stopped beating. Emma gave birth on Friday and Kelly missed the following night’s game against the New England Patriots.

“I was so angry at first that I had to deliver her, only for it to become the biggest blessing out of this nightmare,” Emma Kelly wrote on Instagram. “It gave Ryan and I the opportunity to hold our little Saint, Mary Kate, before officially saying goodbye to her. These 19 weeks with her opened our hearts & souls more than we ever imagined possible & I’m forever grateful we had some time, earth-side, with the little girl who made us mom and dad.”

Kelly, a two-time Pro Bowler, also paid tribute to his daughter in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy.

“Nothing made me happier than being your Dad,” Ryan Kelly wrote. “You gave your Mom and I that gift. You were simply a miracle and always will be. I’m sorry you never got to open those sweet eyes and see us or take your first steps but you have angel wings now.

“You left this world too soon but we know God had a bigger purpose for you. Your mom and I find comfort knowing you’re being loved on by your great grandparents. Thank you for watching over us and your future siblings.”

It has been a rough December for Kelly as he was placed on the COVID-19 list on Dec. 4 and missed one game before being removed from the list on Dec. 14. Then he missed the Colts’ 27-17 win over the Patriots on Saturday.

Kelly, 28, was the Colts’ first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. He has started all 78 games played in his career, including 12 this season.

It isn’t yet known if Kelly will be available for the Colts’ game against the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Day. He wasn’t with the team Tuesday.

“What we’ve said to Ryan is ‘Hey, take all the time you need, we’re 100 percent behind you and Emma,’” Indianapolis coach Frank Reich told reporters. “‘We’re here to support you, and when you’re ready to take that step, we’re right here.’”

Reich said that the entire Colts’ organization will do what it can to help the Kellys deal with their circumstances.

“These situations, as I think we all know, in life, there’s no perfect formula for how to handle these situations,” Reich said. “Everybody has to go through their process as a family — the mourning and the healing steps that it takes.”

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) took the field to observe practice Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. Indianapolis Colts Training Camp At Grand Park In Westfield Indiana Tuesday Aug 17 2021

Colts welcome back QB Carson Wentz, O-line mates

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carson Wentz and two of his starting offensive linemen returned from injuries and participated with the Indianapolis Colts during Monday’s workout.

Wentz and All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson are still in the rehab stage of recovery from the same surgical procedure but there was no indication their foot injuries would be any concern during the open practice Monday.

Wentz ran in a straight line, dropped back from center and worked on plant-and-drive zig-zag cuts moving forward and backward. Nelson shuffled laterally and looked quick and comfortable in pass and run block sets.

Also back is center Ryan Kelly, who injured his elbow nearly three weeks ago during a wave of injuries at the outset of training camp.

To date, Wentz was considered iffy for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener because of a timeline for his return set at 5 to 12 weeks.

He has been on the field during most workouts as a non-participant, observing drills and play calls to continue assimilating to the offense.

Head coach Frank Reich said Sunday the Colts plan to remain cautious with all three starters and leave any decisions on their involvement in full squad workouts to the medical staff.

Reich and Wentz worked together with the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded the former No. 2 pick to the Colts in the offseason.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts make Kelly NFL’s highest-paid center

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ryan Kelly realizes the title might not last long, but as of the moment, he is the highest-paid center in NFL history.

He signed a long-term contract extension to remain in Indianapolis, the Colts announced Thursday. While terms weren’t revealed, multiple media outlets reported that Kelly’s extension is for four years and $50 million, including $34 million guaranteed.

“I guess the one thing I’ve learned in this business is even if you’re the highest paid, you’re going to be the highest paid for it could be a week, it could be a year,” Kelly said on a video call. “Someone is going to jump you eventually.

“I’m sure when the first $30 million quarterback happened, everybody was like, ‘Ooh, holy crap.’ But in my opinion, it’s about going out there every single day and doing my job. That’s honestly what I care about doing. You don’t play the game for free. You’re going out there and putting your body on the line every single Sunday. It’s awesome.”

According to reports, the extension kicks in next year after Kelly completes his rookie deal in 2020, when he will receive $10.35 million as his fifth-year option.

Kelly, 27, earned his first Pro Bowl appearance last year after starting every game for just the second time in his four-year NFL career. A first-round draft pick (18th overall) out of Alabama in 2016, Kelly started all 16 games as a rookie, but he was limited to a combined 19 games the next two years.

“I didn’t want to go anywhere else, to be honest,” he said. “I never told anybody that besides my agent. I didn’t want to go play in Seattle, it’s too far away. Indianapolis is two hours from my house (in West Chester, Ohio). This would be awesome to have my parents come and see all my games, my grandpa, all my grandparents, aunts and uncles.”

Kelly added, “Feels good to be rewarded. I want to live up to the contract I signed. Go out every single day, be the leader on the offensive line they I know I can be. Play with the consistency I can play with and stay healthy. Those are the things that drive me every single day.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Staffords pledge $1.5M to Georgia diversity, other programs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, have pledged $1.5 million to their alma mater, Georgia, that in part will help to fund a new social justice program.

The university announced the donation Friday in a news release.

The social justice program, launched by the UGA Athletic Association, will strive to develop “an environment that will effect meaningful change in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice for all of the Association’s members, including student-athletes, coaches and staff,” the news release read.

“Kelly and I have thought a lot about how we can improve our society and make a meaningful impact on the current social situation. Each and every time, we came back to education, and there’s no better place to create that kind of positive change than UGA,” Stafford said. “When we learned more about this program and others across campus, we were happy to lend our support.”

Athletic director Greg McGarity said the school appreciates the contribution.

“We are incredibly grateful to Matthew and Kelly for their support of this important program and the university as a whole,” he said. “Their generosity will create positive experiences for many students across multiple areas at UGA and will ensure our student-athletes continue to enjoy exceptional experiences on campus.”

The Staffords’ donation also will assist with the expansion and improvement of football facilities, create two scholarships and provide support for the cheerleading program.

Kelly Stafford was a Bulldogs cheerleader. Her husband was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Lions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Staffords pledge $1.5M to Georgia diversity, other programs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, have pledged $1.5 million to their alma mater, Georgia, that in part will help to fund a new social justice program.

The university announced the donation Friday in a news release.

The social justice program, launched by the UGA Athletic Association, will strive to develop “an environment that will effect meaningful change in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice for all of the Association’s members, including student-athletes, coaches and staff,” the news release read.

“Kelly and I have thought a lot about how we can improve our society and make a meaningful impact on the current social situation. Each and every time, we came back to education, and there’s no better place to create that kind of positive change than UGA,” Stafford said. “When we learned more about this program and others across campus, we were happy to lend our support.”

Athletic director Greg McGarity said the school appreciates the contribution.

“We are incredibly grateful to Matthew and Kelly for their support of this important program and the university as a whole,” he said. “Their generosity will create positive experiences for many students across multiple areas at UGA and will ensure our student-athletes continue to enjoy exceptional experiences on campus.”

The Staffords’ donation also will assist with the expansion and improvement of football facilities, create two scholarships and provide support for the cheerleading program.

Kelly Stafford was a Bulldogs cheerleader. Her husband was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Lions.

–Field Level Media