Tag: Chad Kelly

Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly given ‘last chance’ in the CFL

Former Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly has been give a ‘last chance’ in the CFL after returning from a nine-game suspension.

The Canadian Football League reinstated quarterback Chad Kelly on Sunday, with stipulations. The CFL said this will be Kelly’s “last chance.”

After reinstating Kelly following a nine-game suspension, the league said the quarterback must meet “a number of ongoing conditions” to remain in the CFL. Here is the league’s full statement:

Kelly won the Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022 and then won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2023. The Argonauts, who have started the 2024 season with a 5-4 record without Kelly, also released a statement:

The team’s statement included a message from Kelly:

I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL. I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague and person.

With that commitment in mind, I have accepted the League’s conditions of reinstatement, including its ‘Last Chance Agreement.’

Kelly, 30, was cut by the Denver Broncos after he was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in 2018. He later spent two years with the Indianapolis Colts from 2019-2020 and then moved to the CFL in 2022. The Argonauts have nine games remaining in the regular season.

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CFL reinstates Argonauts QB Chad Kelly on ‘last chance agreement’

The CFL has reinstated Chad Kelly of the Toronto Argonauts

The CFL has reinstated Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly on a “last chance agreement.”

Kelly, who has found trouble every stop on his football career from college to the NFL to the CFL, must abide by the agreement … or else.

Per the league:

On May 7, the CFL levied a suspension for a minimum of nine games against Mr. Kelly, based on the findings of a thorough third-party investigation into allegations made against him. Over the course of his suspension, Mr. Kelly was required to attend psychological assessments and mandatory counselling sessions conducted by an independent expert in the field of gender-based violence. Mr. Kelly served the ninth game of his suspension on August 9.

The CFL received Mr. Kelly’s final assessment on August 10, and the league immediately began a thorough review process of its findings. The CFL sought guidance from an expert who specializes in gender-based violence and met with the psychologist and counsellor who worked with Mr. Kelly. He then took part in an in-person discussion with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

The ongoing mandatory conditions surrounding Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement reflect the need for him to demonstrate a continued commitment to upholding league standards. These conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed.

The Argonauts, who are currently 5-4 and in third place in the CFL East, weighed in with a statement:

Kelly released a statement:

“I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL,” Kelly said in a statement issued by the Argos. “I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague and person.

“With that commitment in mind, I have accepted the League’s conditions of reinstatement, including its ‘Last Chance Agreement.’ ”

This sounds like an idea the NFL and NFLPA should get think about knocking off from the CFL.

CFL team signs Broncos tryout QB John Matocha after Chad Kelly’s suspension

After losing Chad Kelly to a suspension, the CFL’s Argonauts are set to sign record-breaking QB John Matocha, who tried out for the Broncos.

After trying out for the Denver Broncos at rookie minicamp earlier this month, record-setting quarterback John Matocha will now get an opportunity in the Canadian Football League.

The Toronto Argonauts are set to sign Matocha, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. While playing for the Colorado School of Mines (Division II), Matocha threw 162 touchdown passes in four seasons, setting an NCAA record. He also rushed for 28 scores, giving him 190 total touchdowns.

“He’s been fun to work with,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Matocha on May 11. “He’s sharp, he’s smart and has a lot of energy. We had him here for the local pro day that we were allowed to have, and it’s good to have him back.”

Matocha had a three-day tryout in Denver during rookie minicamp.

“[He’s been] awesome,” the QB said when asked about Payton. “Obviously, [he’s] a very smart coach and a great guy. He runs this place really well and like I said, I’m super happy to be here.”

Matocha’s tryout did not end with a contract offer from the Broncos, but he’ll now get a chance in the CFL. The Argonauts needed more depth at quarterback after losing Chad Kelly to a suspension.

Kelly was suspended for a minimum of nine games after an investigation determined that he violated the league’s gender-based violence policy. Kelly initially denied the allegations of harassing a former Argonaut coach, but his tweeted statement was deleted, and the investigation resulted in a hefty suspension.

The ex-Denver quarterback was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. With Kelly suspended, Matocha will join a Toronto quarterback room that includes Nick Arbuckle, Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott. The Argonauts are set to open the 2024 regular season against the BC Lions on Sunday, June 9.

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Chad Kelly suspended 9 games by CFL for violating gender-based violence policy

Chad Kelly suspended 9 games by CFL for violating gender-based violence policy:

Nephew of Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, Chad Kelly, has been suspended by the CFL for at least nine regular-season games.

The news comes following the CFL’s investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength and conditioning coach against both the player and club for violating its gender-based violence policy.

The decision comes after the league commissioned an independent third-party investigation into allegations made against Kelly by a female former Argos assistant strength coach who is suing him for sexual harassment and the team for wrongful dismissal.

Kelly, 30, was named the CFL’s outstanding player last season after leading Toronto to a league-best and franchise record 16-2 record. The Argos’ season ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup-champion Montreal in the East Division final.

Kelly will be required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated in a news release. “They are expected to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community. It was important that we performed our due diligence to properly review this matter from all points of view. That in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behavior. The addition of mandatory counselling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal betterment in order to return to the CFL.”

There is no report on whether or not the Argonauts are facing any repercussions.

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CFL suspends Argos quarterback Chad Kelly for minimum of nine games

CFL 2023 Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly hit with long ban

The Toronto Argonauts hopes to win the Grey Cup in 2024 were jarred on Wednesday when the CFL announced it has suspended quarterback Chad Kelly for a minimum of nine games.

The ban comes because Kelly violated the league’s Gender-based Violence Policy

Per the CFL:

Mr. Kelly will be required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

Both the counselling sessions and the assessments must be satisfactorily completed before the CFL will consider Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement. If he is unable to satisfactorily complete those sessions and assessments, the CFL reserves the right to modify his discipline.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie made a statement on the decision.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “They are expected to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community. It was important that we performed our due diligence to properly review this matter from all points of view. That in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behaviour. The addition of mandatory counselling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal betterment in order to return to the CFL.”

Kelly was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. He led the Argos to a 16-2 record in the regular season.

Chad Kelly denies harassment allegations

In a since-deleted tweet, Chad Kelly wrote he “absolutely” denied harassment allegations. The QB also plans to “vigorously” defend himself.

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has denied allegations of harassment about a week after he was named in a lawsuit.

“I am shocked by the allegations which have been made against me,” Kelly wrote Friday in a since-deleted tweet. “I absolutely deny these events and intend to vigorously defend myself and will be seeking the dismissal of the action.”

Some backstory details from TSN’s Rick Westhead: “A former Toronto Argonauts strength and conditioning coach has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Canadian Football League team and quarterback Chad Kelly, alleging the league’s highest-paid player and reigning Most Outstanding Player harassed her and that the team fired her after she rejected his advances.”

The CFL announced an investigation earlier this week.

“The CFL is committed to creating healthy and positive working and playing environments for all those associated with the league and its member clubs,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday.

“​We take the allegations against the Toronto Argonauts and Mr. Kelly very seriously and we have opened an investigation in accordance with the league’s Gender-based Violence Policy.”

Kelly, 29, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was later cut by the Broncos after he was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in 2018.

After being released by Denver, Kelly spent two years with the Indianapolis Colts from 2019-2020 and then moved to the CFL in 2022. He was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 31 touchdowns in 2023.

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Chad Kelly named CFL’s Most Outstanding Player

Our old friend Chad Kelly was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 31 touchdowns in the 2023 season.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback and Mr. Irrelevant of the 2017 NFL draft Chad Kelly was named the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 season last week.

Kelly, who plays for the Toronto Argonauts, showed tremendous production worthy of the award this season. He completed just shy of 69% of his passes for 4,123 yards and 23 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Kelly also rushed 41 times for 248 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Although Kelly’s season ended in the Eastern Finals of the  CFL playoffs, it was a memorable season for the 29-year-old quarterback.

Perhaps Kelly can use his postseason finale as fuel that maybe the Most Outstanding Player can go along with a Grey Cup in 2024. Although he completed a respectable 21 of 36 passes in the Eastern Finals, he only threw one touchdown and tossed four interceptions. While it isn’t all the way fair to say his play led to the Argonauts’ 38-17 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, it’s a safe bet to say it didn’t help. Nevertheless, Kelly’s season ended with a MOP trophy in his trophy case and for now, that will have to do.

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Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly shining in CFL, still hoping for NFL comeback

Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly has led the Toronto Argonauts to a 6-0 record in the CFL while scoring 13 touchdowns (8 passing and 5 rushing).

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly has had an excellent start to the 2023 Canadian Football League season with the Toronto Argonauts.

Kelly has led the Argos to a perfect 6-0 record while completing 104-of-148 passing attempts for 1,530 yards and eight touchdowns against four interceptions. Kelly has also rushed 20 times for 109 yards and five scores on the ground in the CFL this year.

Kelly, who was cut by the Broncos after he was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in October 2018, is still hoping for another chance in the NFL. He played just one snap — a kneel-down — during his brief stint in Denver.

“Getting a little taste of one snap in the NFL, it’s almost like the biggest tease of all teases, right?” Kelly said in a recent interview with ESPN. “You’re just there to kneel the ball down, not even there to actually run a play or hand it off. I definitely have just learned to take every moment for what it is and enjoy where you’re at in this present moment and understand the capabilities and things that you could endure throughout the life and just be able to approach every day like it’s your last.”

The nephew of Jim Kelly, Chad has had tryouts with multiple NFL teams since being cut by the Broncos and he had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts before getting an opportunity in the CFL. If his impressive performances in Canada continue, perhaps the 29-year-old quarterback will get another chance in the NFL down the road.

Up next for Kelly and the Argonauts is a showdown with the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, Aug. 4 at 7:00 p.m. MT on CFL+.

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Chad Kelly seeking another chance in the NFL

“I truly regret a lot of decisions I’ve made and self-sabotage, but I’ve grown from that,” QB Chad Kelly said.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly is still dreaming of a potential return from the NFL.

Kelly, who spent time with the Indianapolis Colts on their practice squad from 2019-2020, suggested in December that he could be the answer the Broncos have been seeking at quarterback.

Denver seems very unlikely to bring Kelly back, but he might get an opportunity elsewhere. The journeyman quarterback played in the Canadian Football League in 2022, coming off the bench in the CFL’s championship game to lead the Toronto Argonauts to a comeback victory.

Before signing with the CFL, Kelly spent time as an offensive coach at East Mississippi Community College and built weight rooms for Wilder Fitness.

Kelly indicated in a recent interview with Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post that he wants to start, and if that can’t happen in the NFL, he’s open to staying in Canada or switching to the XFL or USFL. Still, his ultimate goal is to get back into the NFL.

“I was born to want to play in the NFL,” Kelly told Glasspiegel. “I wanted to see Uncle Jim’s playbooks since I was a kid. As a young kid, I was blessed to be able to throw the ball 71 yards. I could dissect defenses when I was 12 or 13.”

Kelly was selected by Denver with the final pick in the 2017 NFL draft, giving him the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.”

During his second season, Kelly was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in October 2018 and he was promptly cut by the Broncos. He wants a chance to prove to coaches that the incidents of his past are behind him.

“I just want that chance to talk to these NFL coaches and say, ‘I know I can bring something to the table. I know I have the ability. You might believe that I did dumb things, but I’m not a dumb person.’

“I truly regret a lot of decisions I’ve made and self-sabotage, but I’ve grown from that. Unless they feel my sincerity in my voice and my presence, then they can still write me off as that same kid when I was acting like a fool.”

Kelly, 28, has played in just one regular-season game in the NFL, coming in for a kneel-down as a backup for Denver in 2018.

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Chad Kelly suggests he is the solution to Broncos’ quarterback problems

It appears that Chad Kelly wants another opportunity with the Broncos.

The Denver Broncos have struggled to find the answer at quarterback since Peyton Manning retired in 2016.

From Trevor Siemian to Brock Osweiler to Paxton Lynch to Case Keenum to Joe Flacco to Drew Lock to Brandon Allen to Jeff Driskel to Brett Rypien to Kendall Hinton* to Teddy Bridgewater to Russell Wilson, Denver has burned through unsuccessful QBs.

During the team’s Christmas Day blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week, Wilson threw three interceptions, promoting ex-Broncos defensive lineman Derek Wolfe to tweet fans asking if they would rather have Wilson, Rypien or Baker Mayfield lining up under center in Denver.

Former Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly chimed in and suggested a different quarterback: himself.

The ex-Denver quarterback made it clear on Twitter that he’s open to a reunion with the Broncos.

Kelly (6-2, 216 pounds) was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Ole Miss. He spent his rookie season on reserve before beginning the 2018 season as a backup, appearing in one game for a kneel-down.

Kelly was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in October 2018 and he was promptly cut by the Broncos. After that, he spent time with the Indianapolis Colts on their practice squad from 2019-2020. Kelly now plays for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

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