By Darin “Wild Bill” Kelly electrified crowds with his masterful open-field running, transforming the University of Montana’s football program during the 1920s.
Football Bio
June 24, 1905 – Denver, Colorado – Bill Kelly, who was the University of Montana’s quarterback for the seasons of 1924 to 1926, was born.
“Wild Bill” Kelly gave Montana fans all the excitement they could imagine, even though their teams posted very poor records, according to the NFF.
Kelly was definitely a prolific open-field runner who could twist any flat-footed defender into the ground with his moves.
As a sophomore in 1924, Kelly had nine touchdown runs of more than 40 yards.
During his junior and senior seasons, he had five kickoff returns for touchdowns, including two of more than 90 yards.
Kelly was the Scourge of the Skyline country in those days, yet he was never able to give his Montana team a winning season.
During his three varsity campaigns, Montana compiled an overall record of 10-13-1. Kelly stood 5-10, weighed 180, and played without a helmet.
Kelly played in the 1927 East-West Shrine Game and won it for the West, 7-3, completing a pass to Russ Sweet, who gained 80 yards. In 1971, Kelly was named quarterback for the Shrine Game’s all-time team.
Bill Kelly received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
Unfortunately, we lost Bill at too young an age when he passed away watching a game at the age of 26.
Bill Kelly captured the hearts of gridiron fans through his sheer athletic brilliance and relentless competitive spirit. He secured his eternal legacy in the College Football Hall of Fame, standing tall as one of the most thrilling playmakers of his era.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: He earned induction into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
- Shrine Game All-Time Team: The Shrine Game named him the quarterback for its all-time team in 1971.
- All-American Honors: He received Second-Team All-America honors following his 1926 campaign.
- All-Conference Honors: He earned First-Team All-PCC recognition twice, in 1925 and 1926.
- Montana Football Hall of Fame: The Montana Football Hall of Fame enshrined him as part of its Class of 2017.
- Montana Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame: The university inducted him into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
- NFL Career: He spent four seasons playing professionally as a back for the New York Yankees, Frankford Yellow Jackets, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
- High School Champion: He led Missoula County High School to the school’s very first state football championship in 1921.