by Arbab Jamil, 13 January, 2024
MeetShannon Kelley: From Quarterback to Coach
Shannon Kelley, a former American football quarterback, coach, and businessman, commenced his journey as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 1988. Graduating from the gridiron, his life took a significant turn when he tied the knot with the celebrated American gymnast Mary Lou Retton.
Post-football, Shannon ventured into the business domain, showcasing versatility in his career choices. However, his passion for sports and mentoring led him back to the realm of college coaching. Serving as the assistant head football coach at Houston Christian University, Shannon imparted his knowledge and leadership on the field.
Despite his coaching stint, Shannon Kelley eventually returned to the business world, contributing his skills to NETSYNC. This blend of experiences highlights Shannon’s multifaceted journey, demonstrating his prowess not only in the sporting arena but also in the dynamic landscape of business.
Shannon Kelley Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shannon Kelley |
| Date of Birth | 28 June 1972 |
| Birth Place | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Wife Name | Mary Lou Retton |
| Profession | Football coach |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Last Update | February 2023 |
Shannon Kelley’s Impressive Financial Success
Shannon Kelley boasts an excellent internet well worth of $5 million, a testament to his diverse career spanning soccer, education, and commercial enterprise endeavors. His monetary success is fueled through a monthly profits surpassing $465,000, and his annual earnings mirror the fruits of his multifaceted roles. Shannon Kelley’s adventure has solidified his status among affluent people inside the United States, underscoring the effect of his flexible profession on his monetary prosperity.
Shannon Kelley’s Early Years in Football
Shannon Kelley, born and raised in Houston, Texas, embodies a passion for sports that blossomed early in his life. With American parents, William Kelley and Linda DeAmicis, Shannon’s journey began as a standout Class 5A All-State quarterback during his high school days at Houston Memorial High School. Despite limited information about his siblings, Shannon, alongside his two brothers and one sister, enjoyed a joyful childhood marked by his growing interest in sports.
In college, Shannon continued his athletic pursuits, making a significant impact as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 1988. This marked a pivotal chapter in his football career, where his love for the game transformed into a defining aspect of his identity. Born on June 28, 1972, Shannon Kelley’s journey from a sports-loving childhood to becoming a notable college quarterback and, eventually, Mary Lou Retton’s husband, paints a picture of a life intimately connected with the world of sports.
Shannon Kelley’s College Football Career
Shannon Kelley’s football journey at the University of Texas saw its fair share of ups and downs. Initially serving as Bret Stafford’s backup in the 1987 season, Kelley displayed his resilience when called upon, notably leading a comeback against BYU, narrowing a 12-point deficit to 5. Despite facing challenges like an ankle injury, he continued to contribute, including a significant start in a 24–21 victory over TCU.
As the 1988 season approached, Kelley took on the role of the clear-cut starting quarterback. However, the emergence of Mark Murdock added a competitive element to the team. Murdock’s noteworthy performances in games against North Texas and Oklahoma led to Kelley being temporarily replaced. Despite the transition, Kelley and Murdock maintained an amicable relationship, emphasizing sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Kelley’s last start came against Arkansas, concluding his tenure as a starting quarterback with a 4-3 record. Despite the challenges faced on the field, Kelley’s character shone through, demonstrating sportsmanship and forming lasting friendships, such as the one with Murdock. This chapter of his football career showcased Kelley’s resilience and positive approach to both competition and camaraderie.
Shannon Kelley: Love, Family, and Business Success
Shannon Kelley’s personal life intertwined with athletic glory when he began dating Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gold medalist in the Gymnastic Individual All-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Their relationship blossomed during their college years, leading to an engagement in 1989, shortly before Kelley graduated. The couple exchanged vows in 1990 and welcomed four daughters into their family. Among them, McKenna Kelley stood out as a Level 10 gymnast, achieving victory in the 2014 Nastia Liukin Cup. However, their journey took a turn, resulting in an undisclosed divorce in February 2018.
Post-academic pursuits, Shannon Kelley delved into the realm of business. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Armed with this education, Kelley entered the professional arena, where he emerged as a successful partner in an investment firm and real estate developer based in Houston. This phase of his life exemplifies not only his academic achievements but also his prowess in the business world, showcasing adaptability beyond sports and academia.
The marriage between Shannon Kelley and Mary Lou Retton not only marked personal milestones but also significant shifts in their professional trajectories. Kelley’s commitment to education and subsequent success in business underscores a multifaceted journey that spans from athletic achievements to academic pursuits and thriving in the corporate landscape.
Shannon Kelley: From the Field to Coaching Excellence
Following the end of his football journey, Shannon Kelley shifted gears toward academia, achieving a notable milestone with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. This educational achievement became the stepping stone for his foray into the business realm. In this sector, Kelley not only tasted success as a partner in an investment firm but also delved into real estate development in Houston, significantly bolstering his financial standing.
After concluding his football career, Shannon Kelley ventured into the academic realm, earning a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. This educational milestone paved the way for his transition into the business sector, where he found success as a partner in an investment firm and engaged in real estate development in Houston, enhancing his financial standing.
In 2009, Kelley made a pivotal move into the coaching arena, starting as the quarterbacks coach at Division II Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV. This marked the inception of his coaching journey, leading him to later assume the role of running backs coach at Division II California (PA) University in 2011.
His coaching trajectory continued to ascend when, in 2012, Shannon Kelley joined Division I FCS Houston Baptist University as an assistant coach, primarily focusing on running backs. Notably, his contributions during the Huskies’ inaugural collegiate football season were commendable. Kelley remained dedicated to coaching until 2020.
In pursuit of his passion for college football coaching, Shannon Kelley embraced various coaching roles, leaving a mark in the football community before transitioning to an account manager position with NETSYNC in 2020.
Mary Lou Retton: Olympic Gymnastics Icon
Mary Lou Retton, born in 1968, is a renowned former gymnast from the United States. Notably, she secured a gold medal in the individual all-around event at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, along with two silver and two bronze medals. Her exceptional performance elevated her to iconic status, becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in the United States.
Recognized as a trailblazer in American women’s gymnastics, Retton was the first American woman in two decades to win the all-around gold at the Olympics. This historic achievement paved the way for subsequent gymnasts like Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles. Before Retton’s Olympic triumph, no American woman had achieved all-around gold at the World Championships, marking a significant breakthrough in the sport.
Retton’s legacy resonates through the accomplishments of subsequent American gymnasts, including Kim Zmeskal, Shannon Miller, Chellsie Memmel, Shawn Johnson, Bridget Sloan, Jordyn Wieber, and Simone Biles, who collectively secured this feat eleven times. Mary Lou Retton’s impact on American women’s gymnastics remains enduring and pivotal.
Mary Lou Retton’s Family: Four Daughters, One Gymnastics Star
Shannon Kelley and Mary Lou Retton are the proud parents of a lovely family consisting of four daughters. One standout among their daughters is McKenna Kelley, who has showcased exceptional talent as a gymnast by winning the Nastia Liukin Cup in 2014. The couple’s shared commitment to parenting is evident in the way they nurture and support their children’s individual talents and aspirations. This family journey stands as a heartfelt testament to their enduring partnership and dedication to fostering a thriving and talented next generation.
Shannon Kelley and Mary Lou Retton: Divorce and Coaching Career
Shannon Kelley and Mary Lou Retton’s love story encountered complexities, leading to their decision to part ways in February 2018. The reasons for their divorce remained undisclosed. Following his academic pursuits, Shannon ventured into personal and professional growth.
Post-football, Shannon Kelley achieved significant milestones, earning a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
This paved the way for success as a partner in an investment firm and a real estate developer in Houston.In 2009, Shannon embarked on his coaching journey as a quarterbacks coach at Fairmont State University, a Division II school in Fairmont, West Virginia, Mary Lou Retton’s hometown. His coaching career continued, transitioning to become a running backs coach at California (PA) University for the 2011 season.
In 2012, Shannon Kelley secured a role as an assistant coach at Houston Baptist University, a Division I FCS school. During his tenure, he primarily worked with the running backs, contributing to the Huskies’ historic inaugural season of collegiate football.
Shannon Kelley’s Impact
Shannon Kelley’s transition from football to business and coaching showcases his versatility and determination. With a net worth of $5 million, he has made a significant impact through his multifaceted career. As a former American football quarterback, his influence in both the coaching arena and business world has solidified his position as an influential figure in the United States.
FAQs
1. Who is Shannon Kelley?
Shannon Kelley is a former American football quarterback recognized for his time with the Texas Longhorns.
2. Who is Mary Lou Retton, and how did she and Shannon Kelley meet?
Mary Lou Retton is a renowned gymnast. The couple met, got engaged in 1989, and married in 1990.
3. Why did Shannon Kelley and Mary Lou Retton divorce?
The specific reasons for their divorce in February 2018 were not publicly disclosed.
4. Did Mary Lou Retton appear in Star Wars?
No, the Olympic athlete did not appear in Star Wars, but she had roles in various other movies and TV shows.
5. Why is Mary Lou Retton well-known?
Mary Lou Retton is celebrated as the first American woman to win a gold medal in the all-around event on her own, achieving this milestone at the first Summer Olympics held in the United States in 52 years.
6. Where did Mary Lou Retton go to college?
Mary Lou attended Fairmont Senior High School but did not finish as her focus was more on her job than on school.