Leroy Kelly
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
202 lb (92 kg)
Born:
May 20, 1942
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
Morgan State (1960-1963)
Leroy Kelly was one of the most consistent and explosive running backs of the late 1960s, known for his balance, vision, and scoring ability. Born on May 20, 1942, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1964, initially serving as a backup to the legendary Jim Brown. When Brown retired in 1966, Kelly took over and immediately became one of the league’s top rushers.
Over a 10-year career, he rushed for 7,274 yards and 74 touchdowns, earning six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and two NFL rushing titles. Kelly’s blend of speed, agility, and durability made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, he remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Kelly's Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1964)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1966–1968, 1971)
- Second-team All-Pro (1969)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1966–1971)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1967, 1968)
- 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1966–1968)
- NFL scoring leader (1968)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- Succeeded Jim Brown and maintained Cleveland’s dominance in the run game
- Led the NFL in total touchdowns three straight seasons (1966–1968)
- Retired as one of the top 10 all-time rushers of his era
NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns (1964–1973)
NFL Draft:
1964: 8th round, 110th overall pick
Cleveland Browns
Number Worn:
44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
10 (1964–1973)
Games Played:
136
Game Started:
110
Rushing yards:
7,274
Average:
4.2
Rushing touchdowns:
74
Receptions:
190
Receiving yards:
2,281
Receiving touchdowns:
13
Return yards:
2,774
Return touchdowns:
3
