Tennessee Volunteers Legend and College Football Hall of Famer Chip Kell Dies at 75
Legendary Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman and College Football Hall of Fame member Chip Kell passed away at the age of 75. Kell, who played for the Volunteers from the late 1960s to early 1970s, was a crucial part of several successful Tennessee teams.
Chip Kell’s Stellar Career with the Volunteers
During his time with the Tennessee Volunteers, Chip Kell was a dominant force on the offensive line. He was a two-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection. Kell also won the Jacobs Memorial Award twice, an honor given to the best blocker in the SEC. In his final year with the Volunteers in 1970, the Birmingham Quarterback Club named him the best offensive lineman in the SEC.
In 2006, Kell’s outstanding contributions to college football were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Former Tennessee coach Doug Dickey praised Kell’s athletic prowess and leadership in an article from Knox News.
“Chip Kell was one of the most powerful athletes that I had ever coached at that time,” Dickey said in a news release. “He was way ahead of his time in development by use of weight training, and he became a true leader on the football team.”
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Kell’s Unique Career Path
Chip Kell’s career took an unconventional turn after college. Despite being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 17th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, he chose to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) instead, joining the Edmonton Eskimos. This decision came despite his accolades as the best offensive lineman in the SEC, which would likely have guaranteed him a more prominent NFL career in today’s era.
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Kell also excelled in track and field, holding shot put records for the Tennessee Volunteers and becoming a three-time SEC champion in the event.
Remembering Chip Kell
Fans and former teammates took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Chip Kell. His impact on the Volunteers’ fan base is particularly notable given his position as an offensive lineman and the era in which he played, from 1967 to 1970.
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Final Thoughts
Chip Kell’s legacy as a standout offensive lineman and his contributions to Tennessee football will be remembered fondly. His dedication, skill, and leadership left an indelible mark on the Volunteers’ program and the broader college football community.
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