Overview
- The University of Cincinnati confirmed Kelly’s death and said he died Sunday night with family present.
- Kelly had been battling cancer and stepped away from broadcasts this season, with his final game on Sept. 13 during UC’s 70–0 win over Northwestern State.
- Joining the radio booth in 1988 with a brief hiatus from 1992–94, he became a fixture of Bearcats broadcasts through the program’s bowl runs, Big East titles and College Football Playoff appearance.
- He led UC in receptions from 1973–75, finished with 76 catches for 964 yards, signed as a Chicago Bears free agent before an injury, and was inducted into UC’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Director of Athletics John Cunningham and broadcaster Dan Hoard praised Kelly’s enduring impact on the program; he is survived by his wife, Sarah, and four sons, and UC Athletics will share memorial details when available.