Jim Kelly, an All-America end at Notre Dame for the 1962-63 seasons, died last Wednesday at the age of 80. Kelly was a longtime Medford, N.J., resident before spending the last seven years in Southampton, N.J.
Kelly, who came to Notre Dame from Clairton (Pa.) High, played during the era of one-platoon football, which required players to play on both offense and defense. But his acclaim came as an offensive player and three seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelly can still be found in Notre Dame's media guide as one of 13 players who caught three touchdowns in a game for the Irish. Only two Notre Dame players have recorded four touchdown catches in a game in program history: Chase Claypool (Navy 2019) and Maurice Stovall (BYU 2005).
Kelly's three-touchdown game came against Pittsburgh in 1962. Kelly's 11 receptions in that game remain tied for eighth-most in Notre Dame history.
Kelly led the Irish in receiving in 1962 (41 catches for 523 yards and 4 TDs) and 1963 (18 catches for 264 yards and 2 TDs). He also tied with quarterback Daryle Lamonica and fullback Joe Farrell for a team-high 24 points scored in 1962.
Kelly was a first-team All-America selection of Football News in 1962 and 1963. He received first-team All-America honors from United Press International and American Football Coaches Association in 1963.
Obituary details:
Kelly, who came to Notre Dame from Clairton (Pa.) High, played during the era of one-platoon football, which required players to play on both offense and defense. But his acclaim came as an offensive player and three seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelly can still be found in Notre Dame's media guide as one of 13 players who caught three touchdowns in a game for the Irish. Only two Notre Dame players have recorded four touchdown catches in a game in program history: Chase Claypool (Navy 2019) and Maurice Stovall (BYU 2005).
Kelly's three-touchdown game came against Pittsburgh in 1962. Kelly's 11 receptions in that game remain tied for eighth-most in Notre Dame history.
Kelly led the Irish in receiving in 1962 (41 catches for 523 yards and 4 TDs) and 1963 (18 catches for 264 yards and 2 TDs). He also tied with quarterback Daryle Lamonica and fullback Joe Farrell for a team-high 24 points scored in 1962.
Kelly was a first-team All-America selection of Football News in 1962 and 1963. He received first-team All-America honors from United Press International and American Football Coaches Association in 1963.
Obituary details:
James Kelly Obituary (1942 - 2022) - Legacy Remembers
View James Harry Kelly's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.
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