30 Picks in 30 Days -- Day #5 - 1984 NFL Draft - 7th-Round Pick TE Clarence Kay

by John Bena on Mar 31, 2009 11:23 AM MDT in 2009 NFL Draft - Denver Broncos

The Broncos didn't have many selections in the 1984 Draft, but one that did work out, especially considering where he was selected was a little-known tight end out of Georgia, Clarence Kay.

Kay spent all 9 of his seasons in the NFL as a Denver Bronco, starting 126 of 135 possible games. While known more as a blocking TE, Kay managed to catch 13 touchdowns and totaled 193 catches. Kay also played in 3 Super Bowls with the Broncos. Not bad for a 7th-round pick.

Unfortunately for Kay, his off-the-field troubles have been close by since the beginning of his career. Kay has been arrested for various offenses - 12 times since 1984, and he spent 6 months in jail in 2006 as a result of a domestic-violence conviction.

He has had numerous issues with drugs and alcohol.

His troubles didn't stop there. As recently as this January, Kay was arrested in connection with a harassment case and was imprisoned.

Not everyone on this list is a hero, and just as in life some attention needs to be paid to those who struggle day-to-day as well. Let's just hope Kay finally receives the help he needs, and more importantly decides the time is right to get better.

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Clarence Kay

gave my father and I tickets to my first Broncos game when I was about 7 (we had a friend who knew him. Kay is somewhat responsible for my Broncomania since he cleared the path to my first game. Clarence Kay will always be one of my favorite Broncos for this reason

by dabriza on Mar 31, 2009 12:15 PM MDT reply actions

Great sentiment, d

Thanks for sharing that.

"HE'S OUR QUARTERBACK." -- Josh McDaniels

by broncosmontana on Mar 31, 2009 12:17 PM MDT up reply actions

Another blast from the past

I’m loving this series, Guru. Brings back some great memories and helps us remember even the black sheep for the joy they brought us as players at key moments in our history.

It’s too bad Kay found his way down that all-too-familiar road, but I’m with you in wishing only the best for him and that he finds his way through the tough times and back into the proud fraternity of former Broncos who have earned the admiration and respect of the fans.

"HE'S OUR QUARTERBACK." -- Josh McDaniels

by broncosmontana on Mar 31, 2009 12:16 PM MDT reply actions

One of the games I was fortumate to see in the 80's at Mile High had an infamouos Kay play

Seattle versus Denver in I think 1985 (not sure though, I was about 13), late forth quarter, Elway throws a pass to Kay and he dropped it, ref called it a fumble (replay clearly showed it wasn’t a catch) but refs didn’t have replay, Seattle recovered and won the game. That was the 1st game I saw live.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the one with the gun, A-hole" - Ash from Army of Darkness

by Broncoman on Mar 31, 2009 12:18 PM MDT reply actions

My second-favorite Bronco of the mid- to late-80's.

Of course, I was a young’in back then, and was quite oblivious to his off-the-field transgressions at that time.

That’s gotta go down as one of the Broncos’ best ever 7th round picks . . . depending on how (if) Peyton Hillis ends up sticking around.

"The world is getting to be such a dangerous place, a man is lucky to get out of it alive." -- W.C. Fields

by Donut King on Mar 31, 2009 12:18 PM MDT reply actions

I don't think that is Clarence Kay in that picture

This is Kay:

http://www.checkoutmycards.com/CardImages/Cards/018/878/06b.jpg

by Cletus on Mar 31, 2009 3:28 PM MDT reply actions

I think you meant this picture

Now are you a slack jawed yookle?

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the one with the gun, A-hole" - Ash from Army of Darkness

by Broncoman on Mar 31, 2009 4:15 PM MDT up reply actions