The United States Football League is set to return to play in 2022, and a former Denver Broncos quarterback seems to be excited for the rebooted league.
Earlier this week, free agent quarterback Chad Kelly tweeted “USFL 2022 !!!” It might tempting to read into that as a sign that Kelly’s interested in joining the league — and that’s certainly possible — but the nephew of Jim Kelly might just be excited about the league as a neutral.
Chad hasn’t played in the XFL, CFL or AAF, opting to instead wait for another opportunity in the NFL. His uncle, Jim, was the USFL’s MVP in 1984 before later going on to reach four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills.
Jim’s success in the USFL likely left a good impression of the league with his family, including Chad, who never saw the league play live but has undoubtedly see countless highlights of his uncle’s USFL days (Chad was born eight years after the league folded).
Since being cut by the Broncos in 2018, Kelly has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and he’s worked out for several teams, including the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. The former seventh-round pick hasn’t given up on his dream of returning to the NFL.