Former Colts center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday.
Kelly was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft (No. 18 overall), and remained in Indianapolis through the 2024 season. He started 121 games for the Colts in that time, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. He was named a second-team AP All-Pro in 2020. In his career with the Colts, Kelly allowed just 14 total sacks.
For nine years, Kelly was a staple and an anchor on the Colts offensive line, and served as a consistent leader and captain who helped set the tone for the team's success.
Kelly and his wife, Emma, were also active participants in the community, hosting baby showers for expecting mothers and staying involved with local organizations and foundations.
During his collegiate career at Alabama (2011-2015), Kelly was awarded the Rimington Trophy (awarded to the player considered to be the best center in college football) in 2015 and was a consensus first team All-America selection, earning first-team honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, USA Today, Sporting News, the Football Writers Association of America, and the American Football Coaches Association. He also helped lead the Crimson Tide to victory in the 2015 CFP National Championship.
Kelly signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent for the 2025 season.
