Chad Kelly, a talented quarterback known for his strong arm and leadership skills, has made a significant impact in both the NFL and CFL. Currently leading the Toronto Argonauts, Kelly's dedication and passion for the game have been evident throughout his career. He has overcome challenges in his personal and professional life, winning two Grey Cup championships and earning the CFL Most Outstanding Player award in 2023, reflecting his perseverance and love for football.
So, Chad Kelly net worth is $1,018,235, earned mainly through his professional football career.
Chad Kelly: Professional Football Profile
Chad Patrick Kelly is an American professional quarterback currently playing for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Known for his strong arm and dual-threat ability, Kelly played college football at Clemson and Ole Miss before entering professional football.
He is the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and has had a career spanning the NFL and CFL.
Chad Kelly | The CFL's Most Outstanding Player
Biography Table: Chad Kelly
| Full Name | Chad Patrick Kelly |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1994 (age 31) |
| Place of Birth | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Current Team | Toronto Argonauts (#12 / Quarterback) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| College Education | East Mississippi Community College (2014-2015), Ole Miss Rebels, Clemson Tigers |
| Professional Debut | 2017 (NFL), 2022 (CFL) |
| Family | Uncle: Jim Kelly; Parents: Charlene Cudzylo, Kevin Kelly |
| Height | 6′2″ (1.87 m) |
| Weight | 228 lbs (103 kg) |
Chad Kelly's Earnings and Contracts
What Is Chad Kelly’s Monthly Salary?
Chad Kelly earns an average annual salary of approximately $616,000 from his three-year, $1.865 million contract with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. This equals about $51,000 per month. His deal also included a $250,000 signing bonus for the 2024 season, making him the highest-paid player in the CFL.
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What Are Chad Kelly’s Sources of Income?
Chad Kelly earns most of his income from playing professional football. His main source is his contract with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. In August 2023, he signed a three-year deal worth $1.865 million, which included a $250,000 signing bonus for 2024.
Before this, he also made money from earlier contracts in the National Football League while playing for teams like the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts, earning over $1.1 million there. In 2022, his first season with the Argonauts brought in over $100,000, including bonuses and housing. However, his earnings are currently uncertain because he was suspended by the CFL in May 2024.
What Is Chad Kelly’s Contract History?
Chad Kelly has played for multiple NFL teams, including the Broncos and Colts, before joining the CFL. He was drafted by the Broncos in 2017 on a four-year contract worth $2,464,284, earning $412,284 before it was terminated. With the Colts, he signed several contracts between 2019 and 2020, including standard free agent and practice squad deals, with varying durations and pay. Some contracts were terminated early, and his total earnings from these NFL stints include $638,166 with the Broncos and $528,141 with the Colts. His contracts show a mix of guaranteed amounts, annual pay, and cap-related calculations, reflecting his professional football journey before the CFL.
Chad Kelly Properties
Chad Kelly, the athlete, does not publicly own any real estate or commercial properties. The term “properties” in his context mainly refers to his CFL and NFL contracts, which have financial value. There is no verified information about homes, land, or other real estate holdings under his name. Unlike real estate professionals or business owners, his known assets are tied to his football career earnings and contracts.
Chad Kelly’s Career Highlights
Chad Kelly is an American quarterback known for his journey from college stardom at Ole Miss to a challenging NFL career and eventual success in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
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Drafted last in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, he faced injuries and off-field issues that limited his NFL opportunities. After a brief coaching stint, Kelly joined the Toronto Argonauts, becoming their starting QB, winning two Grey Cup championships, and earning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2023.
College Career at Ole Miss
Chad Kelly had a successful two-year career at Ole Miss, throwing for 6,800 yards and 65 touchdowns. He led the team to a Sugar Bowl victory in 2016 and earned MVP honors, establishing himself as a talented quarterback with strong leadership skills.
NFL Career
- Denver Broncos (2017-2018): Drafted as “Mr. Irrelevant,” Kelly was sidelined by a wrist injury his rookie year. He played one NFL game and was released after a legal issue.
- Indianapolis Colts (2019-2020): Kelly joined the Colts but faced a suspension and limited opportunities. He spent time on the practice squad and was eventually released in 2020.
CFL Career with Toronto Argonauts
- 2022 Season: Kelly joined the Argonauts as a backup and helped secure a Grey Cup win when coming off the bench.
- 2023 Season: Became the starting QB, led the team to a 16-2 record, won the Grey Cup, and earned the CFL Most Outstanding Player award.
- 2024 Season: Played nine games after reinstatement from suspension, posting 2,451 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and winning a second Grey Cup while recovering from leg surgery
Key Achievements
- 2× Grey Cup Champion (2022, 2024)
- CFL Most Outstanding Player (2023)
- Led Argonauts to top CFL records and playoff success
Early Life and College
Chad Kelly, nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, grew up in Western New York and showed early promise as a quarterback. He became a four-time national champion in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions and had a strong arm from a young age.
Despite his talent, Kelly faced disciplinary issues in high school, leading to suspensions at Red Lion High School in Pennsylvania. He later transferred to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in New York, where he had strong junior and senior seasons, passing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in his final year.
College Career
Chad Kelly had a standout college career, overcoming setbacks at Clemson to shine at East Mississippi and Ole Miss as a dynamic quarterback.
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Clemson Tigers
Kelly signed with Clemson in 2012 but was redshirted his first year. As a freshman in 2013, he appeared in five games but was dismissed in 2014 for “conduct detrimental to the program.”
East Mississippi Community College
After leaving Clemson, Kelly transferred to East Mississippi, where he led the team to a perfect 12-0 record and a NJCAA National Championship in 2014. He threw for 3,906 yards, 47 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Ole Miss Rebels
Kelly transferred to Ole Miss in 2015 and immediately became the starting quarterback. He led the team to a 10-3 record in his first season, with notable wins over Alabama, Auburn, and LSU, and earned Sugar Bowl MVP honors. In 2016, he suffered a torn ACL and lateral meniscus, ending his senior season early.
College Statistics
- Clemson (2013): 10 completions on 17 attempts, 58 yards, 1 TD
- East Mississippi (2014): 303 completions on 453 attempts, 3,906 yards, 47 TDs
- Ole Miss (2015-2016): 503 completions on 786 attempts, 6,800+ yards, 50 TDs
Personal Life and Challenges
Chad Kelly has faced several personal and legal challenges throughout his life. His younger brother, Casey, also played quarterback at St. Joseph’s and Mallard Creek High School.
In 2014, Kelly was arrested in Buffalo, New York, after an altercation outside a nightclub; he pled guilty to disorderly conduct and completed community service. In 2024, he was named in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit involving a former Toronto Argonauts coach, which led to a league investigation. Despite challenges, Kelly continues to pursue his professional football career in the CFL.
Who is Chad Kelly’s Wife?
Chad Kelly is married to Theresa Taheri. They got engaged in January 2025 and welcomed their first child, a son named Chance Armin Kelly, on April 4, 2025.
Physical Appearance and Social Media
Chad Kelly: Physical Appearance
Chad Kelly is a strong, athletic quarterback known for his sturdy, professional football build. Standing 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and weighing 216 lbs (98 kg), he combines mobility with arm strength. With brown hair, light-colored eyes, and a goatee, Kelly resembles his uncle, Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, and maintains his physique through focused training and conditioning.
Chad Kelly: Social Media Accounts
Chad Kelly stays connected with fans and shares updates about his football career through social media.
Chad Kelly: Quick Facts
- What is Chad Kelly’s net worth?
Chad Kelly’s net worth is $1,018,235. He earns mainly from his CFL contract with the Toronto Argonauts. - Who is Chad Kelly married to?
He is married to Theresa Taheri, and they have a son named Chance Armin Kelly, born on April 4, 2025. - What teams has Chad Kelly played for?
Kelly has played for the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and currently the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.
CFL's Top Earners
The NFL’s cousins to the north, the CFL (Canadian Football League) have to play in the shadows of the sports behemoth both in talent and earnings. Nathan Rourke is the highest-paid CFL player of 2025. He plays quarterback for the B.C. Lions and earns $455,666 yearly. Chad Kelly comes in second, raking in $449,000 a year. Third on the list is Zach Collaros of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He signed his deal for $438,000 with the Blue Bombers in 2022. Vernon Adams Jr. holds the fourth spot on the highest-paid CFL players list. He earns a salary of $339,450 with the Calgary Stampeders. Adams Jr. The fifth highest-paid CFL player is another quarterback, Trevor Harris of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Unsurprisingly, quarterbacks dominate the highest-paid CFL players list. Considered one of the toughest positions to play in sports, nine quarterbacks are among the top 25 highest-paid players. Out of the top 25 highest-paid players in the CFL, 76% play on the offense. Linebackers are the lowest-earning position.
Top 25 Highest-Paid CFL Players of 2025 by Salary
All amounts have been converted from CAD (Canadian dollars) to USD.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nathan Rourke | Quarterback | B.C. Lions | $455,666 |
| 2 | Chad Kelly | Quarterback | Toronto Argonauts | $449,000 |
| 3 | Zach Collaros | Quarterback | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | $438,000 |
| 4 | Vernon Adams Jr. | Quarterback | Calgary Stampeders | $339,450 |
| 5 | Trevor Harris | Quarterback | Saskatchewan Roughriders | $299,781 |
| 6 | Dru Brown | Quarterback | Ottawa Redblacks | $259,931 |
| 7 | Bo Levi Mitchell | Quarterback | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $236,374 |
| 8 | Kenny Lawler | Wide Receiver | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $202,356 |
| T-9 | Ryan Hunter | Offensive Lineman | Toronto Argonauts | $197,100 |
| T-9 | Robbie Smith | Defensive Lineman | Edmonton Elks | $197,100 |
| T-11 | Mathieu Betts | Defensive Lineman | B.C. Lions | $189,800 |
| T-11 | Drew Desjarlais | Offensive Lineman | Ottawa Redblacks | $189,800 |
| 13 | Davis Alexander | Quarterback | Montreal Alouettes | $188,340 |
| 14 | Tre Ford | Quarterback | Edmonton Elks | $187,610 |
| 15 | Justin McInnis | Wide Receiver | B.C.Chad Kelly | Kelly with the Toronto Argonauts in 2023 |
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