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Chad Kelly '10 out of 10' on and off the Field, Says Colts HC Frank Reich
May 25, 2020
After a rough start to his professional career, Chad Kelly has done enough to impress the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff.
"Chad Kelly off the field has been as good as anybody I've been around," Colts head coach Frank Reich said on The Rich Eisen Show (via the Buffalo News). "He's been a 10 out of 10, off the field as well as on the field. I'm excited for him."
Kelly was arrested on a trespassing charge in 2018, which led to him being cut by the Denver Broncos and suspended for two games by the NFL. He also faced multiple lawsuits from incidents during his time in Denver.
This came after a college career that saw him dismissed from Clemson due to conduct detrimental to the team.
"Everybody knows Chad has had one or two issues off the field that put him on the outside," Reich said. He then noted the player's uncle, Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, convinced the coach to sign him.
The 2017 seventh-round pick has only taken one snap in the regular season during his three-year NFL career, but he showcased his upside at Ole Miss as well as during his preseason opportunities.
He ranked fifth in the NFL with 583 passing yards in the 2019 preseason, completing 74 percent of passes.
The quarterback has apparently also impressed with his work behind the scenes.
"I cannot tell you how happy we are with Chad," Reich said. "He's progressed a lot as a quarterback. He really works hard at it."
Despite his effort over the past year, he could struggle to hold onto his job going into 2020.
The Colts signed Philip Rivers this offseason and drafted Jacob Eason in the fourth round, adding to a quarterback room that also includes Jacoby Brissett. Considering Brissett will have $12.5 million dead cap attached if he is released or traded, per Spotrac, he could remain on the roster even as a backup.
With NFL teams rarely carrying four quarterbacks into the season, Kelly will have to fight just to make the roster next season.