NASHVILLE, TN – February 10, 2025 – Former University of Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Kelly was surprised with the announcement by Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Brad Willis on Monday. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, celebrates the state’s rich sports heritage and honors those who have made a lasting impact within their communities.
“Andy Kelly’s contributions to Tennessee football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, make him a true legend in our state’s sports history,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “He was a leader on the field and remains a great ambassador for Tennessee football. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”
A native of Dayton, Tennessee, Kelly attended Rhea County High School before going on to play quarterback for the University of Tennessee. Kelly lettered at Tennessee from 1988 to 1991 under head coach Johnny Majors. Kelly was instrumental in leading the Volunteers to two SEC Championships (1989, 1990) and several memorable victories. He holds a special place in Tennessee football history for orchestrating one of the most dramatic comebacks in program history—a 35-34 win over Notre Dame in 1991, now famously known as the “Miracle at South Bend.”
Kelly finished his Tennessee career as one of the most prolific passers in school history, ranking among the program’s all-time leaders in passing yards, completions, and touchdowns at the time of his graduation.
Following his time at Tennessee, Kelly went on to have a long and successful professional career, most notably in the Arena Football League (AFL), where he became one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Over 15 seasons,he threw for more than 800 career touchdown passes, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in Arena Football League history.
Kelly joins Ron Slay, Joe Behling, the late Jack Jenkins, Chris Woodruff, Deon Grant, Doug Mathews, Derrick Mason, Stephen Gostkowski, Larry Kenon, Priscilla Gary Sweeney, the late Ronnie Robinson, the late Phillip Clark, Tony Allen, Elston Turner, George Pitts, and Bob Brown as announced members of the Class of 2025. The full 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released in the coming weeks.
The 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will take place on Saturday, July 19th, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Tables and sponsorships are available now at www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7.6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $20.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $2 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
