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Chip Kell

Offensive Guard

Inducted 2006

Date of Birth

3/10/1949

Birthplace

Atlanta, GA

School

University of Tennessee (1968-1970)

Bio

Chip Kell was a versatile performer who played both center and guard for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a powerful blocker with the speed and strength to explode off the ball. His strength was demonstrated through being an SEC shot put champion. Kell came to Tennessee after playing high school ball in Decatur, GA. As a sophomore, he played center on a Vol team that went 8-2-1. His first game was unique as it may have been the first ever game played outdoors on artificial turf. The 17-17 tie with Georgia was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record at home during Kell's three years at UT. He was named to the first of three straight all-conference teams. Chip Kell was moved to guard as a junior and won the first of two consecutive Jacobs Memorial Awards as the top blocker in the Southeastern Conference. That season he was also named a consensus All-America. The 1969 Vols captured the SEC crown and finished 15th nationally. He was the leader of an offense that set school records for productivity. As a senior, Kell was a finalist for the Lombardi Award and upped his All-America status to that of a unanimous selection. UT went 11-1, defeated Air Force in the Sugar Bowl and placed fourth nationally. Kell played two years in the Canadian Football League with Edmonton before beginning a long career in coaching and education.