Ernie James Kellerman (also Kellermann) (born December 17, 1943) is an American former 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 at Miami University.

Early years

Kellerman 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

Kellerman was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the twelfth round (159th overall) of the 1965 NFL Draft. 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;^[4] 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.^[5] He was released during final roster cuts on September 12, 1972.^[6]

Kellerman played for Cincinnati Bengals in 1972 and the Buffalo Bills in 1973 before retiring.