5 Shocking Ways Greg Kelley Rebuilt His Life After Exoneration: What The Ex-Football Star Is Doing Now In 2025

The story of Greg Kelley is one of the most compelling and tragic cases of wrongful conviction in recent American history, captivating millions through the documentary series *Outcry*. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the former Texas high school football star has not just moved on from the 1,153 days he spent behind bars for a crime he didn't commit; he has fundamentally rebuilt his life, becoming an entrepreneur, a college student, an activist, and a husband. His current life is a powerful testament to resilience, focusing on justice reform, academic pursuits, and giving back to the community that rallied behind his fight for freedom. The journey from a promising athlete facing decades in prison to a fully exonerated man has been complex, but Greg Kelley's current endeavors show a man determined to leverage his experience for positive change. He has channeled the trauma of his past into multiple new ventures, from launching his own business to returning to college and even playing NCAA Division 1 football, all while embracing a role as a public advocate for the wrongfully convicted.

Greg Kelley: Full Biography and Exoneration Timeline

Greg Kelley’s life trajectory was dramatically altered in 2013, moving him from the football field to a prison cell. Here is a detailed profile of the man who became a national symbol of justice denied and eventually, justice restored.

• Full Name: Gregory Kelley
• Born: Circa 1996 (Was 17 at the time of his conviction in 2013)
• Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas
• High School: Leander High School, Leander, Texas
• Early Career: Promising high school football star with a full scholarship offer to play for UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) as a defensive back.
• Wrongful Conviction: In 2013, at age 17, Kelley was wrongfully convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, stemming from an incident at a friend's house (Johnathan McCarty).
• Sentence: Sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
• Time Served: 1,153 days (approximately 3.5 years).
• Exoneration Date: November 2019. A Texas judge declared him innocent, and he was fully exonerated following a thorough investigation that uncovered prosecutorial misconduct and new evidence, including the confession of the real perpetrator.
• Wife: Gaebri Kelley (married after his release).
• Current Residence: New York City (as of recent reports).
• Notable Media: Subject of the 2020 Showtime documentary series, *Outcry*.

Kelley's wrongful conviction became a focal point for discussions on the flaws within the American justice system, particularly the handling of child sexual assault cases and the reliability of witness testimony. His family, especially his mother, was instrumental in the tireless fight for his freedom, even selling her own home to fund the legal battle.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Tomahawk Targets and Brand Partnerships

Following his release and exoneration, Greg Kelley wasted no time in establishing a new life for himself, proving that his drive extended far beyond the football field. He has successfully transitioned into the business world, focusing on ventures that align with his interests and new public platform. His primary business endeavor is Tomahawk Targets, an entrepreneurial venture he co-founded. This business, which focuses on targets and related products, allows Kelley to maintain a connection to sports and outdoor activities. The launch and growth of Tomahawk Targets demonstrate his ambition to create a stable, independent future after the trauma of his incarceration. Beyond his own company, Kelley has also leveraged his public profile as a symbol of resilience to secure notable brand partnerships. In a unique collaboration, he became the face of a new boots collection for the Dallas-based company Hari Mari. This partnership not only provides him with a new source of income but also positions him as an inspirational figure in the commercial space, highlighting his journey from prison inmate to brand ambassador.

Returning to the Field: College, Football, and Academic Pursuit

One of the most remarkable aspects of Greg Kelley's current life is his commitment to education and his triumphant return to the world of competitive sports. After his freedom was secured, Kelley was determined to fulfill the dreams that were brutally interrupted by his conviction. In a move that captured national attention, Kelley enrolled as a student at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). This academic pursuit is a core part of his post-exoneration life, focusing on his personal growth and intellectual development. Simultaneously, he made an astonishing return to football, the sport he loved. Despite being years older than the typical college freshman, he became a scholarship athlete and played NCAA Division 1 football for Eastern Michigan University (EMU). His commitment to playing football at the collegiate level, a dream he was stripped of as a high school senior, is a powerful symbol of reclaiming his stolen youth. This dual focus on academics and athletics showcases his incredible discipline and determination. He is not only working toward a degree but also proving his physical and mental fortitude on a demanding athletic stage, defying the expectations placed on a man who spent years in the harsh reality of the Texas prison system.

Activism and the Quest for Justice Reform

Perhaps the most significant chapter of Greg Kelley's life now is his role as an activist and advocate for the wrongfully convicted. Having experienced the profound failures of the legal system firsthand, he is now dedicating his energy to fighting for others who are still incarcerated under similar circumstances. Sources from late 2025 indicate that Kelley has launched a nonprofit organization dedicated to justice reform. Through this platform, he is actively involved in raising awareness about wrongful convictions, advocating for legal reforms, and providing support to other exonerees and their families. This activism is fueled by his deep Christian faith and a personal understanding of the devastating impact of a flawed system. His work focuses on ensuring that the systemic failures that led to his own conviction—including issues of prosecutorial misconduct and unreliable evidence—are addressed to prevent future tragedies. Furthermore, Kelley is pursuing legal action to hold those responsible for his wrongful conviction accountable. He is currently involved in a major lawsuit against the City of Cedar Park and other entities, seeking compensation and, more importantly, institutional accountability for the injustice he suffered. The funds from a previous settlement allowed him to purchase a 1.3-acre property in Texas for his mother, a small but meaningful act of repayment for her unwavering support. His ongoing legal battles and activism solidify his position as a prominent voice in the fight for criminal justice reform, ensuring his story continues to serve as a catalyst for change.