'Nothing holds him back': QB with seven fingers is this year's Otto Graham winner
NEW BEDFORD — Ty Kelley doesn’t let anything hold him back in life and on the football field — not even a condition called symbrachydactyly.
Born with just a thumb and pointer finger on his right hand, Kelley found a way to overcome his anomaly and follow his passion for sports to become a standout football player for Bourne High School.
“Nothing holds him back,” said his mother, Tammy. “He does anything and everything imaginable.”
Kelley was instrumental in Bourne’s turnaround this year, helping the Canalmen go from a combined six wins the past two seasons to seven total in 2023.
“It’s been a journey,” Kelley said. “I didn’t even think I was going to play football freshman year and I figured why not? Obviously it paid off.
“I was more of a hockey guy and then football came into the picture and was amazing. I love it.”
Kelley was recognized on Wednesday night by being named the 2023 Otto Graham Award winner during a ceremony at GNB Voc-Tech. He was one of 17 nominees for the prestigious award, honoring the area’s top senior football players.
“It’s a great honor,” Kelley said. “I never thought that would happen. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m grateful for it.”
Kelley becomes the first Bourne player to receive the award since Michael Epps won it in 2011.
“He just made our offense go,” said Bourne head coach John McIntyre of Kelley. “He was competitive. He was tough. He was physical. He was unselfish. Just a great overall kid from a great family.”
A four-year starter at quarterback, safety, kicker and punter, Kelley capped off his high school career by carrying the ball 95 times for 831 yards and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns. He also completed 35 of 65 pass attempts for 625 yards and seven touchdowns to power the Canalmen to a playoff berth and a 7-4 record.
“During games he’d come over and say, ‘We’re not losing this game,’” recalled McIntyre. “We’d put it on his back and that’s what he would do.”
Meet the nominees: Introducing 17 high school football players nominated for the 2023 Otto Graham Award
Kelley also had 55 tackles and six interceptions on defense and made his presence felt repeatedly on special teams.
A three-sport athlete who also plays hockey and baseball at Bourne, Kelley doesn’t let his condition define him.
“I’ve been dealing with it ever since I was born,” he said. “I got used to it so I figured out how to do everything. When I’m on the field, no one has any clue.
“I just love sports. Nothing is better than going out and playing sports.”
Kelley is hoping to study business and play football in college and has already been offered roster spots from both Mass Maritime and Framingham State College.
“I’m just hoping I can play at the next level and keep succeeding,” he said.
Off the field, Kelley is a four-year honor roll student with a current GPA of 3.61. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been an MIAA Student Ambassador for the past three years. Kelley also volunteers his time to supporting Homeless for the Holidays and Flags for Veterans and reading to Bourne Elementary School students.
“He's a great kid with a great future,” McIntyre said.
Kelley’s impact on Bourne’s football program will be felt for years to come.
“He’s proof you can get recognized,” McIntyre said. “You can go on to play college football. You can do the things you want to do at Bourne High School.
“This is huge for the program. We’ve been struggling with student population and struggling with numbers. A good year for us is 24 kids and when that happens, we end up with 18 or 19 kids by the end of the year. Hopefully making the playoffs this year, finishing 7-4 and now this (award), we can show Bourne is a great high school.”
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Bourne's Ty Kelley is named 2023 Otto Graham Award winner
