Earl Keeley

Clarence "Earl" Keeley (May 15, 1936 – May 9, 1985) was a Canadian professional football quarterback who played six seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes. He played college football at Wenatchee Valley College and the University of Montana.

Early life Clarence Keeley was born on May 15, 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He played football, rugby, and basketball in high school. He then played junior football for the Vancouver Blue Bombers.

College career Keeley played college football at Wenatchee Valley College from 1955 to 1956. He earned all-conference honors in 1956.

Keeley then lettered for the Montana Grizzlies of the University of Montana during his junior year in 1957. On November 8, 1957, Keeley broke his collarbone in a game against Montana State. Montana was able to utilize a punt-run option during the 1957 season due to Keeley's unique ability to kick while on the run, a skill he picked up by playing rugby in high school.

Professional career In June 1958, Keeley skipped his final year of college eligibility to sign with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in two games for the Lions in 1958 but did not throw any passes. Keeley played in 13 games during the 1960 season, totaling four completions on seven passing attempts (57.1%) for 60 yards and one interception while punting 35 times for 1,383 yards. Keeley played in eight games in 1961, recording 11 completions on 21 attempts (52.4%) for 118 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, and nine punts for 334 yards.

In August 1963, Keeley joined the Montreal Alouettes for a two-week trial.

Personal life Keeley was a smokejumper based out of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Washington in 1956. He died on May 9, 1985, at the age of 48.