L.A. Avengers sign NFL veteran Ben Kelly
March 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Continuing their quest to improve in the defensive backfield, the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League have signed NFL veteran Ben Kelly, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
Kelly (5-foot-9, 185 pounds), who was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft (84th overall pick), will be a defensive specialist with the Avengers.
After playing in two games for the Dolphins as a rookie early in the 2000 season, Kelly hurt his left knee and was placed on the injured reserve list. A year later, he was claimed off waivers by New England and played in four games for the Patriots, as they went on to win Super Bowl XXVI. In 2002, Kelly played in seven games for New England.
With the Avengers Kelly is being reunited with fellow defensive specialist Damen Wheeler, whom he played alongside at the University of Colorado for three seasons (1997-99). Kelly concluded his career in Boulder with 132 tackles, 34 pass deflections and 11 interceptions. He also scored nine times on returns in his Buffalo career (four on kickoffs, three on punts and two after fumble recoveries).
One of the best kickoff returners in college football history, Kelly's 28.1-yard average ranks him second on the all-time NCAA Division I-A list. In addition, his career total of 1,798 kickoff return yards is a Colorado school record.
Kelly also earned track & field All-America status in the 400-meter dash at Colorado, and clocked a 21.53 over 200 meters and a 6.78 in the 60.
Born on Sept. 15, 1978, in Cleveland, Kelly was an all-state and all-league standout in football at Mentor Lake (Ohio) High School, where he also participated on the basketball and track & field teams.
To make room for Kelly on the active roster, the Avengers waived defensive specialist Keith Heyward, who was signed on Feb. 20, and started two games.
The Avengers (2-2) will face the Grand Rapids Rampage (0-5) on Sunday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. (Pacific) and the game will be televised on KNBC Channel 4.
Prorated season ticket packages and single-game seats can be purchased by calling 1-888-AVENGERS or online at www.laavengers.com.
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