Ian Kennelly
Career Summary
Ian Kennelly is a safety from Macomb, Michigan.
He played at Grand Valley State before joining Detroit as an undrafted rookie in May 2025.
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High School
Kennelly attended Utica Eisenhower High School.
He played for Chris Smith and earned first-team all-state recognition from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News. He contributed on both sides of the ball, including rushing for 615 yards and seven touchdowns.
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College Career
Kennelly became a starting defensive back at Grand Valley State.
He started all 12 games in 2021 and recorded 33 tackles and two interceptions. Detroit's rookie profile credited him with eight interceptions and 19 pass breakups in 49 career games; his final season produced 64 tackles and three interceptions.
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Path to the NFL
Detroit signed Kennelly as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025.
The Lions' official announcement identified him as a safety from Grand Valley State.
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NFL Career
Kennelly spent the 2025 offseason and training camp with Detroit.
The Lions listed him among their waived players in the August 26 roster announcement. He later had an Edmonton offseason opportunity; the Elks' May 31, 2026, news release listed him among their released defensive backs.
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Career Accomplishments
Kennelly earned first-team All-GLIAC honors in 2024.
Grand Valley State also named him its Player of the Year and Skill Defensive Player of the Year. He received second-team D2CCA Super Region 3 recognition.
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31420, 00-0040389, 2001-02-12, Ian Kennelly, Ian, Kennelly
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