Former Erie Express WR, Nijay Kelly killed in car crash.

We are sad to announce the passing of one of our former players, wideout Nijay Kelly (West Virginia University) was killed in an automobile accident on April 9th.

 Nijay was an amazing young man with tremendous athletic ability which took a back seat to who he was as a person. Nijay had a charismatic  attitude, was fun to be around and had a champions mindset. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him was better off for it. 

Kelly played two seasons for the Express, most recently in the 2024 season before signing with the Alabama Beavers of the IFA. Kelly would later sign with the Ozarks Lunkers where he did an amazing job.

Kelly had worked out for multiple NFL teams. In 2018 he had personal workouts with the Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. In 2021 he received another invite from the NY Jets as an undrafted free agent.

Kelly graduated from Samuel Fels High School where he was an All-Region and All-City in both basketball and football. Kelly recorded 61rec for 1110yds and 11 tds as a junior and senior. 

Kelly finished his high school career as a blue chip recruit and continued his football career at the college level at West Virginia University.

Nijay has played professionally for the Pittsburgh Defenders of the (AAL) and the Bismark Bucks (IFL). In addition Kelly has played for the West Virginia Smash, West Virginia Gladiators, West Virginia Ironmen and the Canton Pitbulls. Kelly was signed by the Pitbulls for the 2020 season but the league they played in cancelled their season due to the Covid 19 virus. 

Nijay then joined the Express as the GDFL was still a go but eventually we too had to cancel our season so along with everyone else, Nijay was unable to play that year.

Kelly was also an accomplished professional basketball player as well.

Nijay gave us headaches as an opposing player so it was nice to have him on board with us. He was a tremendous competitor and never gave up on his dream to call himself a pro.

Nijay leaves behind two beautiful children, Aviana and Quinton, who were the love of his life.

A GOFUNDME has been set up in his name for anyone who would like to help please consider it. The link is below,

https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-respectful-farewell-for-nijay-kelly?lang=en_US

Please keep all of Nijay's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of such an amazing young man.

Until we meet again, rest easy Nijay! GO EXPRESS!