Crush sign former Colorado star Ben Kelly
January 11, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release
DENVER - The Colorado Crush have signed former University of Colorado star Ben Kelly, the team announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. In a related move, the team also released rookie WR/DB Nashville Dyer.
Kelly, a 5-10, 195-pound wide receiver/defensive back, is entering his second season in the Arena Football League. He appeared in six games as a rookie for the Los Angeles Avengers in 2004 after signing with the team in midseason. Kelly totaled 28 tackles and four pass breakups, finishing fourth on the team in tackles despite playing just six games.
Kelly starred at Colorado as a kick returner and defensive back from 1997-99 before being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round (84th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. Kelly concluded his CU career with 132 tackles, 11 interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense, while returning 39 punts for an average of 10.1 yards and two touchdowns and 64 kickoffs for 1,798 yards and three touchdowns. His 28.1-yard kickoff return average ranks second on the NCAA Division I-A career list, while his 1,798 career kickoff return yards are a Buffaloes team record.
Kelly spent one season with the Dolphins and two with the New England Patriots, winning a Super Bowl ring following the 2001 season. Kelly also attended training camp with the Denver Broncos in 2003, but did not make the team's opening day roster.
"Ben Kelly is a guy with NFL experience that we think may be able to help this ball club," said Crush head coach Mike Dailey. "He got a taste of the Arena League last season with L.A. and hopefully he can build upon that."
The Crush roster now stands at the league maximum of 37 players that can participate in training camp. The roster must be trimmed to 24 by January 24 to start the season.
Colorado will kick off its third season in Orlando on January 30 before returning to Denver to host the Grand Rapids Rampage at Pepsi Center on February 5. Crush single-game tickets start at just $7and can be purchased by calling (303) 830-TIXS on to ticketmaster.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 11, 2005
- NBC changes date of opener - San Jose SaberCats
- Destroyers add FB/LB Toran James - Columbus Destroyers
- McClay's experience aids Desperados - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Soul add Bryant, Gamble to fill roster - Philadelphia Soul
- Crush sign former Colorado star Ben Kelly - Colorado Crush
- SaberCats sign four - San Jose SaberCats
- Predators waive two, QB Sanders returns - Orlando Predators
- AFL to name High School Ironman of the Year at U.S. Army All-American Bowl - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
