Ryan Kelly: NFL Bio & FAQs

Ryan Kelly Bio

Ryan Kelly is a retired American football center whose 10-season NFL career included time with the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. The Colts selected Kelly from Alabama with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for Indianapolis from 2016 through 2024 before joining Minnesota for the 2025 season. On March 6, 2026, Kelly announced his retirement from professional football.

Born May 30, 1993, Kelly is from West Chester, Ohio, and attended Lakota West High School. He played college football at the University of Alabama from 2011 through 2015, developing into a starting center and a leader of the Crimson Tide offensive line. In 2015, he won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center, earned consensus first-team All-America recognition and helped Alabama win the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 307 pounds in an NFL team media guide, Kelly was valued for his strength, technical fundamentals and mental command of the center position. Alabama described him as skilled, smart, agile, tough and durable, while NFL draft evaluations emphasized his functional strength, athleticism, body control and leadership. His role required making blocking calls, organizing protection and anchoring the interior of the offensive line.

Position: C

Ryan Kelly Questions & Answers

What position did Ryan Kelly play?

Ryan Kelly played center, an interior offensive-line position responsible for snapping the football and helping direct protection calls.

When did Ryan Kelly retire from the NFL?

Ryan Kelly announced his retirement on March 6, 2026, after playing 10 NFL seasons, including the 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

When was Ryan Kelly drafted?

The Indianapolis Colts selected Ryan Kelly 18th overall in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Where did Ryan Kelly play college football?

Ryan Kelly played college football at the University of Alabama from 2011 through 2015.

What major college award did Ryan Kelly win?

Ryan Kelly won the 2015 Rimington Trophy, which recognizes college football’s outstanding center. He was also a consensus first-team All-American that season.

What was Ryan Kelly’s playing style?

Ryan Kelly was known as a strong, technically sound and intelligent center. His responsibilities included making offensive-line calls, coordinating protection and providing a steady presence in the middle of the line.

When was Ryan Kelly born?

Ryan Kelly was born on May 30, 1993.

How tall was Ryan Kelly?

Ryan Kelly was listed at 6 feet 4 inches tall.