Kerley was born to Charlotte and Donald Kerley on November 8, 1988, in Hutto, Texas.[2] He attended Hutto High School in Hutto, Texas, where he was a letterman in four sports. Kerley took his high school football team to the state finals in 2005 where he and his team faced Tatum High School and lost by three points despite a great game performance by Kerley.[2] Kerley's letterman included football and baseball.[3] He played pitcher and centerfielder in baseball. At quarterback, Kerley led his football team to its first state championship game as a junior.[2]
As a standout track athlete, Kerley was one of the state's top performers in the jumping events. He was a four-time state finalist in the triple jump. Kerley qualified for the state track meet in the long jump (7.26 m) and triple jump (14.76 m), winning silver medals in both events. He was also a member of the 4 × 100 m and 4 × 400 m relay teams.
Kerley was converted to wide receiver and return specialist at TCU after playing quarterback in high school. Following the 2009 season, Kerley was named Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year[5] after breaking the conference record for punt return yards in a season with 563 yards.[4]
In 2010, Kerley had 10 touchdown catches, a touchdown pass, and two rushing touchdowns. He ranked second in the nation in punt returns and third in the nation in kickoff returns.[6] Kerley was named the Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year for the second consecutive year in 2010, as well as second-team All-Mountain West honors at wide receiver.[7] He was one of three finalists in 2010 for the Paul Hornung Award, which honors the most versatile college football player in the nation.[2]
Professional career
Pre-draft
Kerley was projected to be drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft.[8]
Kerley was selected in the fifth round with the 153rd overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.[10][11] He caught his first career touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez against the New England Patriots on October 9, 2011.
During the season-opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 9, 2012, Kerley recorded his first career punt return touchdown. In Week 16 after Tim Tebow requested to be removed from the wildcat formation, Kerley took his place, and threw a 42-yard pass, though the Jets lost to the San Diego Chargers 17–27.[12]
On October 21, 2014, Kerley agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract extension with $5.4 million guaranteed.[13]
Kerley finished the 2015 season with career-highs in punt returns (48) and punt return yards (411).[14]
On March 9, 2016, Kerley was released by the Jets.[15]
Detroit Lions
On March 21, 2016, Kerley signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.[14]
Kerley agreed to a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension on March 4, 2017.[17] He was released on September 2.[18]
New York Jets (second stint)
On September 5, 2017, Kerley re-signed with the Jets on a one-year deal.[19] On November 6, he was suspended for four games due to a PED violation.[20] Kerley was released on December 18 after being reinstated from suspension.[21]
Buffalo Bills
Kerley in 2018
On April 16, 2018, Kerley signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.[22] He was released on September 15.[23]
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