Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1991
- Class:
- 1970
Kelly '70 made outstanding contributions to Davidson as a wide receiver in football and as a catcher in baseball. In 1969 Kelly was one of the standouts on what many regard as the school's best football team. The Wildcats finished 7-4, won the Southern Conference championship and went to the Tangerine (now Citrus) Bowl. Kelly was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and played five seasons in the National Football League with Cincinnati and New Orleans. Kelly caught 156 passes in three seasons for the Wildcats and still ranks ninth on the NCAA all-time list for catches per game (6.8). Kelly twice was named All-Southern Conference. He caught 76 passes to lead the '69 team and rank fifth nationally. Kelly was a hometown product who starred at North Mecklenburg High and was a star for North Carolina in the Shrine Bowl game.
