Football returned Thursday night when the Cleveland Browns faced off with the New York Jets in the annual NFL Hall of Fame game. While a number of star players didn’t participate, a pair of Vols saw action with one starring.
Former Tennessee running back John Kelly was the game leader in yards from scrimmage while scoring one of the games four touchdowns.
While Kelly wasn’t known as a receiving back at Tennessee, he caught four passes for 27 yards including one for a touchdown.
Give @JKShuttlesworth six!
📺: @ProFootballHOF ON NBC pic.twitter.com/U9fnQOyiZ2
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 4, 2023
In addition to his four receptions, Kelly carried the ball 10 times for 42 yards in the first football game of the 2023-24 season.
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Kelly wasn’t the only former Vol in the Hall of Fame game. Former Tennessee receiver Cedric Tillman made his professional football debut hauling in a pair of catches for 35 yards on three targets.
Let’s go @Ctillman04 😤
First NFL catch for Ced!
📺: @ProFootballHOF game on NBC pic.twitter.com/L8XuqNN6n4
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 4, 2023
The Browns selected Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft last spring. While Tillman was a third round selection, Cleveland selected the Tennessee standout with its first pick in the draft. Tillman has an opportunity to earn real playing time for the Browns this season.
