James Edward Kelly, born on February 14, 1960, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a standout athlete at East Brady High School, earning all-state Pennsylvania honors in football and scoring over 1,000 points in basketball. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, where he finished his career with 5,228 passing yards and 33 touchdowns, and was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame in 1992. Kelly also earned offensive MVP honors in the 1981 Peach Bowl.