Ian Kennelly

Ian Kennelly is an American professional football safety for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. He previously played college football for the Grand Valley State Lakers.

Early life and high school

Kennelly attended high school at Utica Eisenhower High School located in Metro Detroit. Coming out of high school, he committed to play college football for the Grand Valley State Lakers.

College career

During his collegiate career from 2019 through 2024 with the Lakers, he played in 49 total games, where he notched 174 tackles, eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt, where he earned first-team All-GLIAC honors twice in 2023 and 2024. After the conclusion of the 2024 season, Kennelly declared for the 2025 NFL draft.

Professional career

After not being selected in the 2025 NFL draft, Kennelly signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. He entered the 2025 season, as one of the Lions top UDFA's as he competed for a 53-man roster spot. In his preseason debut in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game, Kennelly, recorded six tackles versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
Kennelly signed with the CFL's Edmonton Elks on January 23, 2026.