Maurice Kelly retires
Published on May 2, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB â The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today confirmed the retirement of linebacker Maurice Kelly, who has accepted a front office job with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.
Kelly, 32, will serve as the director of player development with the Seahawks, the same NFL team he played for in 2000 and 2001 before rejoining the Blue and Gold in 2003.
"Maurice Kelly was a consummate performer both on and off the field," Bombers G.M. Brendan Taman said. "A guy like that will always be missed.
"We're confident he will be very successful in his new role in the NFL and we wish him luck."
In his new role, Kelly will act as a liaison between Seahawks management and players and will assist new players in everything from acclimatizing to the pro ranks to continuing their education.
Kelly said he had every intention of returning to play for the Bombers this season prior to re-joining the Seahawks organization.
"I definitely wanted to come back. I was training and everything. I was hoping to play at least two more years up there," he said.
"But this was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. It's an opportunity to go out on my own terms and not be forced out."
Kelly spent seven seasons in the CFL, including four seasons with the Blue Bombers (1998-99 and 2003-04) for whom he appeared in 71 regular season games. He also had stints with Las Vegas, Toronto and B.C. and played in a total of 140 CFL regular season games.
The 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker out of East Tennessee State had one of his finest seasons as a pro last year with the Blue and Gold. He led the team in defensive tackles with 64 and special teams tackles with 21. He also collected two fumble recoveries, one interception, one quarterback sack and one tackle for a loss.
"I'm very grateful for the four years I had in Winnipeg. I can't complain about anything," Kelly said.
"There were definitely some memorable moments. I appreciated it all and how the fans came out and supported us, even in the rain and snow."
Canadian Football League Stories from May 2, 2005
- Stampeders acquire rights to QB Jason Gesser - Calgary Stampeders
- Maurice Kelly retires - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Esks sign all-star Canadian linebacker - Edmonton Elks
- Argonauts stay at Rogers Centre - Toronto Argonauts
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