Hall of Fame
Brian Robert Kelly concluded his Cougar career as one of the all-time great receivers in school history before entering an equally impressive career in the Canadian Football League. The 5-foot-9 native of Arcardia, Calif., ended his time in Pullman with 116 receptions and 1,792 receiving yards, placing him fourth and third, respectively, on the all-time lists. As a senior he caught 44 passes, eight ending in touchdowns, with two scores and eight receptions coming in WSU’s 19-10 season-opening upset at No. 15 Nebraska. Kelly concluded his senior season by receiving the J. Fred Bohler Award for inspiration. Following his WSU career, Kelly signed on as a free agent with Edmonton of the CFL. Though he didn't play in 1978 due to injury, Edmonton coach and WSU graduate Hugh Campbell signed him to anther contract. Over the next nine years, before his retirement in 1987, Kelly rewrote the team and CFL record book. He caught 575 career passes for 11,169 yards and 97 touchdowns while being a member of five Grey Cup Championship teams. He set CFL records for reception yardage and touchdown receptions and also established, among others, these CFL records: touchdown receptions in 71 games, six 1000-yard seasons and 41 100-yard games. In 1991 he was inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame and in 2006 was voted among the Top 50 CFL players of all time (No. 20).
