By Jimmy Hyams
In many respects, Todd Kelly Jr. would like to be like his father.
Todd Kelly Sr. had an outstanding career as a defensive end at Tennessee and became a first-round draft pick of San Francisco in 1993.
Did Kelly Jr., now a senior safety at Tennessee, ever dream of being a first-round pick?
“No question,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “First round, 27th pick. I’ll always remember that — to the San Francisco 49ers. And the good thing about it, he went to a fantastic team and got himself a Super Bowl ring. That’s something not many people get. That’s probably my ultimate goal. … But being a first rounder is awesome.’’
Just playing in the NFL is another goal of Kelly Jr.
“Yes, no question,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “I’ve been playing since I was 7. I’m 21 years old now. If my math does me right, that’s 14 years of football every single year, no years off.
“With that being said, I feel like I’ve perfected my craft over time, but I still have a long way to go. At the end of the day, that’s my ultimate goal and dream, as it is with any other kid that plays Little League football. Just realizing that I’m a step closer to making that mark, I think is huge and speaks volumes. I’m going to give my all in order to do that.’’
Was being the son of an NFL dad a blessing or a burden?
“I think I was more amazed at how special of a player he was and how well known he was in the city of Knoxville,’’ Kelly Jr. said.
After a four-year NFL career with three teams, Kelly Sr. made Knoxville his home. He played high school ball in Hampton, Va. Kelly Jr. was impressed with all the all-state pictures and plaques and trophies his dad accumulated.
“It really instilled in me how great of an athlete he was and how much time he put into it,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “It let me know if you really want to do this, you better be about it.
“Ever since I saw his highlight film, all the plays he made, I figured I better get started. I started when I was 7 and he was my coach.’’
Kelly Jr. said his dad never bragged about his athletic feats.
“No, he never did,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “He’s one of the most humble guys I know. My dad’s my biggest role model, my best friend, and I look up to him. If I need anything, he’s there for me.’’
Kelly Jr. was Mr. Football at Webb School in Knoxville. He signed with Tennessee, although his sister was a cheerleader at Alabama at the time.
Kelly Jr. said his parents didn’t twist his arm about going to Tennessee, just as they gave freedom to his sister who went to Tuscaloosa.
Kelly Jr. said it’s been interesting to see his dad evolve from athlete to parent. As an athlete, Kelly Sr. had 22.5 sacks at Tennessee, 11 in 1992. He ranks fifth on UT’s all-time sack list. As a parent, he wasn’t always quick to compliment.
“When Derek Barnett beat my dad’s sack mark (at Tennessee),’’ Kelly Jr. said, “my dad said, `He’s definitely better than I was.’ That’s something he doesn’t say often.
“I think that was huge. … To see him back off from that athlete-slash-football player to supporter dad and Tennessee fan is huge for him. He realized his glory days are over.’’
Kelly Jr. is one of six players on Tennessee’s team whose dad played in the NFL. Two of the fathers have at least one Super Bowl ring (Kelly and Bill Bates). One played in five Super Bowls (Cornelius Bennett). Two others were All-Pro (Ray Buchanan, Dale Carter). The other (Reggie McKenzie) played seven years in the NFL and is now general manager of the Oakland Raiders.
Interestingly, Kelly Jr. said he hasn’t talked to others on UT’s team with NFL dads.
“It’s probably something I need to talk about because that’s a connection we all have,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “Sometimes you feel like you’re overshadowed by somebody, especially at a younger age, if you haven’t played at this level (college) before.
“Now I feel like I’ve become a name on my own and also represent my father’s name. I’ve had the name Todd Kelly ever since I was born, so these last 21 years, people see me as a football player. But I try to be a lot more than that.’’
Kelly Jr. said he wants to known as a “guy that gives back, a guy that is a loving brother and son and does whatever he can to make this a better place.’’
Kelly Jr. has done that. He and his family open their home to out-of-town teammates during the holiday season. They provide a support system.
Kelly Jr. provided support in another way entering his junior season. He surrendered his cherished No. 6 – which he wore in high school and his first two years in college – to wear No. 24 in honor of Zavion Dobson, a former Fulton High School football player who was shot and killed two years ago when he dove in front of bullets intended for someone else.
Kelly Sr.’s reaction?
“He was speechless,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “Then once he had words, he just told me that I was a greater, better person than he could image me being. … He knew how much that number meant to me. I wore it as a freshman in high school. My mom insisted for Coach (Butch) Jones to give it to me. She’s more intimidating than my dad is.’’
It’s not the only unselfish gesture Kelly Jr. has made. His community service has been recognized by the SEC.
“I just try to do whatever I can when I have time to do it,’’ Kelly Jr. said. “I remember when people helped me when I was down and out. Everybody goes through phases. Whatever I can do to support people, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s what I feel like I was called to do.
“You choose how to live your life. You can live it for yourself or for others. I choose others.’’
