A legend has left us, and the Cincinnati Athletics community is in mourning. Jim Kelly Jr., a true icon and a beloved figure, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of Bearcats fans.
Jim Kelly Jr. was more than just a name in the James P. Kelly Hall of Fame; he was the heartbeat of Cincinnati football. From 1973 to 1975, he dominated the field as the Bearcats' leading receiver, and for an incredible 35 years, he lent his voice and expertise as a color analyst for the official radio broadcasts.
"Working alongside Jim was an honor and a privilege," shared Dan Hoard, Cincinnati's radio broadcaster. "He was not only a brilliant broadcaster and a dear friend but also a bridge connecting generations of Bearcat football players. Jim knew them all - as a kid tagging along with his dad's teams, as a teammate in the '70s, and as a broadcaster for over three decades. His love for the University of Cincinnati was unparalleled."
Jim Kelly Jr.'s journey with the Bearcats began as a ball boy in the 1960s, and he followed in his father's footsteps, Jim Kelly Sr., who played for UC from 1947 to 1950 and later served as a coach and administrator until 1994. The Kellys are now part of a prestigious group, joining the Keating family as the only father-son combinations in the UC Hall of Fame.
After graduating with a business degree, Kelly Jr. briefly pursued a professional football career, signing with the Chicago Bears. However, an injury cut his playing days short, and he returned to Cincinnati, first as a graduate assistant coach and then as a successful businessman.
In 1988, Kelly Jr. joined the radio booth, and for the next 26 years, his voice became synonymous with Bearcats football. He worked alongside Paul Keels, George Von Benko, and later Dan Hoard, providing insightful commentary and capturing the essence of the game for listeners.
But here's where it gets even more remarkable. Jim Kelly Jr. witnessed and narrated the rise of Cincinnati football from the Tim Murphy era to the legendary Rick Minter decade and Mark Dantonio's breakthrough in the BIG EAST. He called the iconic "Pike to Binns" game, the BIG EAST Championships, and the BCS Bowl appearances under Brian Kelly. He saw the Bearcats reach new heights under Butch Jones and Tommy Tuberville and celebrated their Peach Bowl and College Football Playoff appearances in 2020 and 2021 under Luke Fickell. And let's not forget his role in ushering in the current Scott Satterfield era in the Big 12, including the first three games of the 2025 season.
John Cunningham, Cincinnati's Director of Athletics, expressed the community's grief: "Our deepest condolences go out to Jim Kelly and his family. Jim was the embodiment of Bearcats football - growing up at Nippert Stadium and choosing to play college football on that very field. He stood by the program through all its ups and downs for over 30 years in the radio booth. He was an exceptional player, a beloved voice on the radio, and a Hall of Famer. No one loved the Bearcats more than Jim. We are grateful that he was surrounded by his 1975 teammates this past weekend. We were all blessed to have known him."
Jim Kelly Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Sarah, and his sons, Kevin, Dave, Scott, and Brian, along with their families. Cincinnati Athletics will share memorial information as soon as it becomes available.
Rest in peace, Jim Kelly Jr. Your legacy will live on through the generations of Bearcats fans you inspired.
