Ernie Kellermann
American football player (1943–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ernie James Kellermann (December 17, 1943 – February 5, 2025) was an American professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills.[1] He played college football for the Miami Redhawks.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, U.S.
| No. 24 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Safety | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | December 17, 1943 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died | February 5, 2025 (aged 81) Chagrin Falls, Ohio, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 183 lb (83 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | St. Peter Chanel (Bedford, Ohio) | ||||||||
| College | Miami (OH) | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1965: 12th round, 159th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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* Offseason or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Early life
Kellermann played quarterback and defensive back for the St. Peter Chanel High School Firebirds and he was a member of the first graduating class of the school in 1961.
He accepted a scholarship from Miami University, where he was coached by John Pont and Bo Schembechler. He became a three-time All-Mid-American Conference quarterback from 1962 to 1964. He established 14 records and is still Miami University's all-time total offensive leader with 3,978 yards. His biggest game passing came against Houston in the 1962 Tangerine Bowl when he completed 17 of 40 passes for 265 yards.[2]
In his senior year, he set four passing records by completing 88 of 149 passes for 1,260 yards and a completion percentage of .591. His 88-yard touchdown pass enabled Miami to defeat Purdue, 10–7, for the upset of the collegiate football season in 1962.[3]
Professional career
Kellermann was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 12th round (159th overall) of the 1965 NFL draft.[4] He was converted into a defensive back, but was waived on September 13.
In 1965, he was signed to the taxi squad of his hometown Cleveland Browns based on a recommendation from Schembechler. The next year, he made the team as a safety and played through the 1971 season, recording 17 interceptions over those six seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1968;[5] he intercepted six passes that year, his highest season total. His lone NFL touchdown came in 1969 on an interception return against the Green Bay Packers.[6] He was released during final roster cuts on September 12, 1972.[7]
Kellermann played for Cincinnati Bengals in 1972 and the Buffalo Bills in 1973 before retiring.
Death
Kellermann died on February 5, 2025, at the age of 81.[8]