All former NFL quarterback Chad Kelly could do was try to keep his feet steady after sustaining a gruesome injury during a CFL game.
The former Broncos and Colts signal-caller was playing for the Toronto Argonauts in Saturday's CFL playoff semifinal game against the Montreal Alouettes.
Kelly was running for a first down on a two-play 10 in the third quarter when Montreal's Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund fell on Kelly's foot while making a tackle.
The quarterback was unable to put his weight on his feet when standing up, and was seen on the broadcast trying to support himself below the knees as he fell onto the field.
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Toronto teammate DeJon Allen watched Kelly's serious injury on the field with his back to the QB and a pained expression on his face.
The team announced that Kelly fractured the tibia and fibula in his right ankle.
“I would like to sincerely thank the doctors and medical staff at Montreal General Hospital, my family, teammates and team owners for supporting me throughout this experience,” Kelly said in a statement. “The incredible outpouring of support from my fans has meant so much to me and I am truly grateful for all the messages I have received.
“I couldn't be more proud of our team's outstanding win and am excited to head to the Gray Cup. I'm disappointed I wasn't able to play, but my team and staff are excited to win the Cup.” I have full confidence in getting it back to where it belongs. Thank you again for your incredible support – see you soon!”
Kelly was carried off on a stretcher and completed 11 of 22 passes for 182 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was replaced by Nick Arbuckle, a 31-year-old CFL veteran who played his college ball at Georgia State.
Arbuckle led Toronto to a 30-28 victory and a place in the Gray Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Kelly, the nephew of building legend Jim Kelly, has had a roller coaster career, including winning the Gray Cup in 2022.
After winning the CFL's Most Valuable Player award last year, he was suspended for two exhibition games in Toronto and at least the first nine games of the regular season on May 7 for violating the CFL's gender-based rules. He started the season with a “last chance contract.” violence policy.
This stems from an independent investigation into a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Toronto's former strength and conditioning coach against Kelly and the team for sexual harassment.
Kelly played collegiately at Ole Miss, Clemson, and East Mississippi Community College, where he won a junior college championship.
He was called “Mr.'' He was drafted by the Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft and played in one game.
Kelly was released by the end of the season after being arrested on charges of first-degree criminal trespassing.
He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal trespass.
