No. 25 – Tennessee Titans | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||
Born: | Inglewood, California, U.S. | November 20, 1997||||||||||||
Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||||||||
Weight: | 212 lb (96 kg) | ||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||
High school: | Eastside (Lancaster, California) | ||||||||||||
College: | |||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2020 / round: 4 / pick: 112 | ||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||||
Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||||||||||
|
Joshua Tyler Kelley (born November 20, 1997) [1] is an American professional football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He began his college football career with the UC Davis Aggies before transferring to the UCLA Bruins program. Kelley rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons with the Bruins, earning second-team all-conference honors in the Pac-12 in 2019. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Kelley was born in Inglewood, California. [2] [1] His mother Jacqueline, a speech pathologist at an elementary school, [3] raised him and his older brother Daniel as a single parent. [4] Growing up in Lancaster in Los Angeles County, Kelley was a fan of UCLA. [5] His mother volunteered at the University of California, Los Angeles, and he had an aunt and uncle who studied there; his uncle played on the Bruins baseball team. [6]
Kelley attended Eastside High School and rushed for 1,903 yards and 22 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Lions. [7] As a senior, he earned first-team all-conference honors in the Golden League, and was named the conference's running back of the year. [6]
A two-star recruit who was ranked the No. 232 running back in the class of 2015, [3] Kelley began his career in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) at the University of California, Davis, [8] the only school that pursued him. [7] With the Aggies, he coped with injuries and shared time with another fine back in Manusomo Luuga. In his first season, Kelley was a year younger than his fellow freshmen. [1] He did not receive a full scholarship until the start of his sophomore year, but relinquished it and transferred after the season, when head coach Ron Gould and the rest of the coaching staff were fired. [3] [7] [8] Although the new staff wanted him to stay, Kelley challenged himself to reach college football's highest level. [4] He ended his UC Davis career with 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons. [8] As part of his release from the school, Kelley was permitted to transfer to just two schools in California: UCLA and USC. He also received interest from Boise State. [6]
Kelley signed as a walk-on with the Bruins of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), and served on the scout team in 2017 while sitting out the year as a redshirt due to transfer rules. [6] [8] [9] Leading up to the 2018 season, he encountered another coaching change when UCLA replaced Jim L. Mora with Chip Kelly. The new coach awarded a scholarship to Kelley. [8] A redshirt junior, [10] Kelley did not play much until Week 4 at Colorado. [11] He was benched and did not play a week earlier against Fresno State after being outperformed during practice. In the first two weeks, he had just 11 carries for 27 yards. [1] [12] Following an open week in UCLA's schedule, he regrouped and ran for 124 yards in 12 carries against Colorado after being the team's best player in training sessions leading up to the game. [12] [13] Kelley became one of the nation's top running backs over the final two months of the season. [11] He emerged as the Bruins' top offensive player with six 100-yard games, [10] and UCLA's scoring increased as well. [14] On the road in Week 6 against California, UCLA earned their first win of the season as Kelley ran for 157 yards and three touchdowns in a 37–7 victory. [15] Against USC, Kelley had a career-high 289 yards rushing on 40 carries to help the Bruins earn their first win in four years in their crosstown rivalry with the Trojans. It was the most rushing yards for a player on either team in the history of the rivalry. [16] [17] He scored two touchdowns, including one on a career-long 61-yard run. [8]
Kelley ended the season with 1,243 yards rushing, the 10th-highest single-season total in UCLA history, [8] and his 113 rushing yards per game ranked fourth-highest in the Pac-12 Conference and ninth in the nation. [3] [18] [19] He ran for at least one touchdown in each of the final eight games, [19] and finished with 12 touchdowns to rank second in the conference. [8] Kelley earned honorable mention in All-Pac-12 voting by conference coaches, [20] while the Associated Press named him to their first team. He was named the Bruins' most valuable player. [19]
In 2019, Kelley returned for his senior year after deciding against entering the NFL Draft. [21] He injured his right knee in practice, [22] and subsequently missed most of training camp. He did not play in the season opener against Cincinnati. [23] On October 26 against Arizona State, Kelley ran 34 times for 164 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in a 42–32 upset over the No. 24 Sun Devils. [24] He rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns the following week against Colorado, helping the Bruins earn their fourth win and surpass their total from a year before. [25] In the final game of his college career, Kelley ran for 76 yards against Cal to finish the season with 1,060 yards, becoming the eighth player in UCLA history to run for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. [26] [27] His 96.4 yards rushing per game and 12 rushing touchdowns were both second in the conference behind Zack Moss of Utah. Kelley was named second-team All-Pac-12, the only Bruin to be named to either the first or second team. [27] He ended his UCLA career with 454 rushes for 2,303 yards and 24 touchdowns. [28] After being named to the Senior Bowl roster as a replacement for Moss, [29] he improved his draft stock with a game-high 105 yards on 15 carries. [30] [31]
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 ft 10+5⁄8 in (1.79 m) | 212 lb (96 kg) | 31+5⁄8 in (0.80 m) | 9+5⁄8 in (0.24 m) | 4.49 s | 1.61 s | 2.65 s | 4.28 s | 6.95 s | 31.0 in (0.79 m) | 10 ft 1 in (3.07 m) | 23 reps | |
All values from NFL Combine [32] [33] |
Kelley was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 112th overall pick. [34] He competed with Justin Jackson to be the backup behind Chargers featured back Austin Ekeler. [35] In his NFL debut in the 2020 season opener, Kelley had 60 rushing yards on 12 carries and scored the team's only touchdown on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter in a 16–13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. [36] He again ran for over 60 yards the following week, [37] when he had 113 yards from scrimmage (64 rushing, 49 receiving) in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. [38] However, he struggled after fumbling in consecutive weeks in close games against the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which damaged his confidence and led to a drop in playing time. [37] [39]
In the 2021 season opener, Kelley was listed as inactive, as rookie Larry Rountree III received the nod as the No. 3 running back. [40] Kelley played in 10 games during the season, finishing with 33 carries for 102 yards along with five receptions for 38 yards. [41]
In 2022, he entered training camp stronger after dedicating himself to improving physically during the offseason. [42] He began the season playing behind Sony Michel, who was Ekeler's primary backup. In a Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns, Kelley had 12 touches to Michel's one, running for 49 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and adding two catches for 33 yards. [43] [44] He suffered an MCL sprain in Week 6 and was placed on injured reserve on October 22, 2022. [45] He was activated on November 26. [46]
On August 15, 2024, Kelley signed with the New York Giants. [47] He was released on August 25. [48]
On October 15, 2024, Kelley signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad. [49] He was promoted to the active roster on November 2. [50]
Kelley is a Christian. [51] He is married to Mikaela Kelley. [52] [53]
The 2007 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California and were coached by Karl Dorrell for the regular season. It was Dorrell's fifth, and final season as the UCLA head coach. UCLA's season was marked by numerous injuries, particularly at quarterback. Original starting quarterback Ben Olson injured his knee early in the season and missed over four games. Backup quarterback Patrick Cowan also suffered a knee injury but returned for two more games before suffering a collapsed lung against Arizona. Coach Karl Dorrell was fired following the loss in the 77th UCLA–USC rivalry football game, the final regular season game for the Bruins. Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker became the interim coach for the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl, in which the Bruins lost to BYU, 17–16. The Bruins finished 6–7 overall, 5–4 in the Pacific-10 Conference, where they were tied for fourth place.
Anthony Ray "D'Anton" Lynn II is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the USC Trojans of the Big Ten Conference (NCAA). He was previously the defensive coordinator for the UCLA Bruins.
Brett Alan Hundley Jr. is an American former professional football quarterback. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, where he was the school's career leader in both total offense and touchdown passes. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft, and started nine games for them in 2017, following a collarbone injury to Aaron Rodgers.
Eric-Nathan Marvin Kendricks is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins. As a senior in 2014, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top collegiate linebacker. Kendricks was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and later played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Paul Kerry Perkins II is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, leading the Pac-12 Conference in rushing as a sophomore in 2014. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors the following year. He was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft, and was also a member of the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts.
Joshua Ballinger Lippincott Rosen is an American professional football quarterback who is a free agent. He previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. Rosen played college football for the UCLA Bruins, receiving Freshman All-American and Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2015. During his junior year, Rosen set the school's record for single-season passing yards.
Justin Joseph Jackson is an American former professional football running back. He played college football at Northwestern.
The 2017 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bruins played its home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. They began the season coached by sixth-year head coach Jim L. Mora. They competed as members of the South Division of the Pac-12 Conference.
Austin Ekeler is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Western Colorado Mountaineers, finishing as their all-time leader in rushing yards before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. With the Chargers, Ekeler led the NFL in touchdowns for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The 2018 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bruins were led by first-year head coach Chip Kelly and played their home games at the Rose Bowl. UCLA was a member of the Pac-12 Conference in the South Division. They began the season 0–4 for the first time since 1971, and 0–5 for the first time since 1943, before finally winning their first game, in dominating fashion, against Cal. However, despite failing to improve upon their previous season's output of six wins and seven losses and failing to qualify for a bowl game, the Bruins later defeated the USC Trojans to end a three-game losing streak in their crosstown rivalry. The Bruins finished 3–9 overall, their worst record since 1971. They went 3–6 in Pac-12 play, finishing fifth in the South Division, and were outscored by their opponents by a combined score of 409 to 295. UCLA's average home attendance of 51,164 was the school's smallest since averaging 49,825 in 1999.
The 2019 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bruins play their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. UCLA competed as a member of the South Division of the Pac-12 Conference. The team was led by second-year head coach Chip Kelly. The Bruins began the season 1–5 before winning three straight games. However, the Bruins then lost their final three games of the season. They finished the season 4–8 overall and 4–5 in Pac-12 play, tying Arizona State for third place in the Pac-12 South Division, and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 417 to 320. The Bruins' average attendance at home was 43,848, their lowest since 1982 when they moved to the Rose Bowl, surpassing the previous low of 49,107 in 1995.
Zachariah Charbonnet is an American professional football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and UCLA Bruins. He was a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection with UCLA and was named an All-American by the FWAA in 2022. Charbonnet was selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Dorian Trevor Thompson-Robinson, also known by his initials DTR, is an American professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, where he was a two-time second-team all-conference selection in the Pac-12. He was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Demetric Felton, Jr. is an American professional football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins. He was named second-team all-conference in the Pac-12 in 2020.
Larry Rountree III is an American professional football running back for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Missouri.
The 2021 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led by fourth-year head coach Chip Kelly and competed as members of the South Division in the Pac-12 Conference. Entering this season, Nike became the new apparel sponsor for the team, replacing former supplier Under Armour, and the Bruins' football uniforms bore the Jordan Brand.
Gregory Paul Dulcich is an American professional football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was twice an all-conference selection in the Pac-12, including first-team honors in 2021. He was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Kyle Michael Philips is an American professional football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was a first-team all-conference selection in the Pac-12 in 2021. Philips was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
The 2022 season was the Los Angeles Chargers' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, their seventh in the Greater Los Angeles Area, their third playing their home games at SoFi Stadium and their second under head coach Brandon Staley.
The 2023 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles in the Pac-12 Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bruins were led by Chip Kelly in his sixth and final season at UCLA. They played their home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The season was the team's last season as members of Pac-12 before joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024.
The UC Davis transfer set a record for rushing yards for any player in the 88-year history of the crosstown rivalry.
Kelley stopped running with as much confidence, and his inefficiency led to a decrease in touches.