New England Patriots
Tommy Kelly - DT
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 6"/ 325 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/27/1980 |
| Birthplace | Jackson, MS |
| College | Mississippi State |
| Years played | 10 |
Key matchup: Ravens pass rush vs. Patriots O-line
Teams that have bested the Patriots have rattled Tom Brady enough to keep the offense out of rhythm. The Ravens will try to do that on Sunday.
The Pro Game: Strange days, indeed
Tom Danyluk discusses some of the odd moments in the semi-final round, and gives you his forecast on the Sunday’s championships.
Intriguing story lines in championship weekend
Breaking down all the key battles and matchups in championship game weekend.
Flacco to face far different Patriots' secondary
Joe Flacco had his best game of the season against the Patriots in Week Three, but faces a much-different pass defense in the AFC title game.
Surprise contributors borne from great scouting
Some unsung units stepped up this weekend, which shouldn't be a surprise given how good the final four teams' scouting staffs are.
Patriots bring back Daboll
The Patriots are bringing former assistant Brian Daboll back to the staff, effective immediately, Bill Belichick told reporters during a conference call Monday.
Patriots beat Texans, Ravens up next
Stevan Ridley ran for 82 yards and a touchdown to help the Patriots roll to a 41-28 victory over the Texans.
Reports: Gronkowski out for rest of postseason
The Patriots will be without TE Rob Gronkowski for the rest of the postseason after he reinjured his forearm, Pro Football Talk first reported.
Friday injury report for divisional playoffs
Here is the Friday injury report for the divisional playoffs, showing to what degree injured players participated in their teams' practices.
Key matchup: Texans passing game vs. Patriots pass 'D'
The Texans’ key to avenging a Week 14 embarrassment and advancing to the AFC title game will be QB Matt Schaub.
Looking back, thinking ahead
Tom Danyluk delivers some final thoughts on last week's wild-card action, and gives his forecast on the upcoming divisional round.
Ryan, Falcons understand situation they're in
The Falcons and QB Matt Ryan are aware of the pressures they face this weekend in what should be a strong divisional slate of games.
Hightower's playmaking will be key for Patriots in playoffs
Patriots rookie LB Dont'a Hightower has made impact plays behind the line of scrimmage, and will be counted on in the playoffs.
Patriots sign QB Kafka, DE Benard
The Patriots signed QB Mike Kafka and DE Marcus Benard to reserve/future contracts on Friday.
Wednesday's 60-second rant: New year, same AFC East
The Bills and Jets gave the Patriots an early New Year's gift, making front-office changes, further cementing New England as the class of the AFC East.
PLAYER NEWS
The Oakland Raiders have released Kelly, cutting ties with their longest-tenured position player on the roster.|||||||
Kelly signed a $50.1 million, seven-year contract to remain with Oakland in 2008. He was owed $6.5 million this year before being cut. Kelly had one sack in 16 games last season.
Kelly accepted responsibility for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, saying he made a bad mistake.|||||||
Kelly went out drinking Sunday night after the Raiders returned from a road trip to Kansas City. He was booked at Oakland's Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility on Monday and later released. Kelly acknowledged that he is under more scrutiny this season after signing a seven-year contract in the offseason that was worth up to $50.5 million and included $18.125 million in guaranteed money. Coach Lane Kiffin sat down with Kelly on Wednesday to talk about the situation.
Kelly was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities say Kelly was booked at Oakland's Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility on Monday and later released.|||||||
The Raiders signed Kelly to a $50.5 million contract this year even though the veteran defensive lineman was coming off a serious knee injury that cut his 2007 season short. Kelly had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Kelly replaced Warren Sapp as the anchor of the Raiders' defensive line.
The Raiders resigned Kelly on Thursday to a seven-year contract that reportedly could be worth more than $50 million. Kelly, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday. But the Raiders pre-empted that with a lucrative contract that guarantees Kelly more than $18 million.|||||||
Keeping Kelly was an offseason priority for Oakland after defensive tackle Warren Sapp retired. Kelly was the team's most consistent defensive lineman last season before sustaining the season-ending knee injury Oct. 28 against Tennessee. Kelly's versatility is one of his biggest strengths as he is able to play inside at tackle or outside at end. He finished 2007 with 27 solo tackles, one sack and a blocked kick.
Kelly will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee, the latest injury to hit Oakland's defensive line.|||||||
Kelly had 27 solo tackles and one sack this season, moving back and forth between end and tackle with ease. He also came up with one of the biggest plays of the season for Oakland, blocking a potential winning 40-yard field goal attempt by Cleveland's Phil Dawson on Sept. 23.
