Eric Kelly

Eric Kelly (born January 15, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (69th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft.

College career Kelly starred for the University of Kentucky Wildcats from 1997 to 2000, where he was usually asked to play man-to-man coverage with the best receiver of the opposition. Kelly graduated from Bay High School in Panama City, Florida in 1997, where he played running back and outside linebacker. There, under head coach Jim Scroggins, he led the "Fightin' Tornados" to a 23–5 record his last two years in high school, including trips to the Florida state quarter-finals and a narrow loss in the state championship game.

Professional career He was selected as a cornerback by the Vikings in the third round (69th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft. Prior to the 2004 season, he re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on April 13, 2004, but got cut on June 18, 2004, after asking for his release after sliding on the depth chart. He signed with the Houston Texans off of waivers on June 28, 2004, but got cut due to not taking a pay cut. Then he signed with the Chicago Bears on August 8, 2004, but got cut due to injury.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD 2001 MIN 16 11 80 63 17 0.0 2 2 -7 0 2 7 1 0 0 0 2002 MIN 16 12 73 66 7 0.0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2003 MIN 16 0 8 7 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 23 161 136 25 0.0 2 3 -7 0 2 9 1 0 0 0