CFL all-star strong-side linebacker Kameron Kelly signs with XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas

Photo courtesy: Ryan McCullough/Ticats.ca

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats strongside linebacker Kameron Kelly has signed with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas.

Kelly became a free agent on Tuesday. 3DownNation‘s Justin Dunk reported that the budding star was considering XFL options in a bid to return to the NFL.

The 26-year-old started 32 consecutive games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at strong-side linebacker since his rookie CFL season in 2021, recording 86 tackles, six interceptions and three sacks. He has also made a meaningful impact in the playoffs, notching two interceptions in the 108th Grey Cup.

The six-foot-two, 205-pound native of Round Rock, Texas was originally signed as an undrafted NFL free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. Kelly suited up for the San Diego Fleet of the defunct Alliance of American Football in 2019. He played 14 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, registering 19 total tackles, one interception and defended one pass, earning nearly $500,000 USD.

Kelly played 46 games over four seasons at San Diego State University (2014-2017) before turning pro, registering 165 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks, 10 interceptions, 17 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He was named to the 2017 first-team All-Mountain West in his senior season.

The XFL season is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, February 18.