Former Broncos QB Chad Kelly Aims for NFL Comeback After CFL Success

Kelly led the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup win and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2023.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with the field and players broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, representing the dynamic nature of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pivotal play in Chad Kelly's CFL championship season, highlighting his ability to lead the Toronto Argonauts to victory.Denver Today

Eight years after his only regular-season NFL game with the Denver Broncos, 32-year-old quarterback Chad Kelly is still hoping to get another shot in the league. After off-field incidents derailed his NFL career, Kelly found success in the CFL, leading the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship in 2022 and being named the league's Most Outstanding Player the following year. Now, Kelly is aiming to parlay that CFL success into a return to the NFL.

Why it matters

Kelly's story highlights the challenges and perseverance required for players to overcome off-field issues and earn a second chance in the NFL. His performance in the CFL has shown he still has the talent to potentially contribute at the highest level, but he'll need to continue proving he's put his past troubles behind him.

The details

After being released by the Broncos in 2018 following an off-field incident, Kelly spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before landing in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022. That year, he led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship as a backup. In 2023, Kelly was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. However, his 2024 season was cut short due to a suspension and a broken leg, keeping him out for all of 2025 as well.

  • Kelly's only regular-season NFL game was in 2017 with the Broncos.
  • He spent 2017 and part of 2018 with the Broncos before joining the Colts.
  • Kelly led the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup win in 2022.
  • He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2023.
  • Kelly's 2024 season was cut short due to a suspension and a broken leg.

The players

Chad Kelly

A 32-year-old quarterback who is aiming to make an NFL comeback after finding success in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.

Jim Kelly

Chad Kelly's uncle, who is a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Denver Broncos

The NFL team that drafted Chad Kelly in 2017 and released him in 2018.

Indianapolis Colts

The NFL team that signed Chad Kelly in 2018 and 2019.

Toronto Argonauts

The CFL team that Chad Kelly led to a Grey Cup championship in 2022 and was named the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“That's always the goal. It's always a goal of quarterbacks, whatever league you're in, is to get to the top of the top. My talent speaks for itself.”

— Chad Kelly, Quarterback

“I sought help right after. There was counseling. There was mental health stuff. I self-reflected and knew what I can and can't do and the same with drinking. I definitely would do a lot of drinking and that's not good. You're a quarterback. You got to represent the team and everybody in the right light.”

— Chad Kelly, Quarterback

What’s next

Kelly will look to continue his strong play in the CFL as he aims to earn another shot in the NFL. The Argonauts will begin training camp on May 2, and Kelly will need to perform at a high level to catch the attention of NFL teams.

The takeaway

Chad Kelly's journey from the NFL to the CFL and back again demonstrates the perseverance and resilience required for players to overcome off-field issues and earn a second chance in the league. His success in the CFL has shown he still has the talent to potentially contribute at the NFL level, but he'll need to prove he's put his past troubles behind him.