Kay played college football under the tutelage of Lou Saban as a quarterback, defensive back, tight end and punter at Western Illinois University.

In 1961, Kay took over at Deerfield High School in Illinois, and coached there through the 1966 season; he was replaced by Paul Adams when he decided to return to college football.

Kay spent four seasons in the United States Football League with the Boston/New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits.

Four years later, Kay was once again defensive coordinator of a championship team, helping the Arizona Rattlers capture ArenaBowl XI in 1997.

In 2007, despite a 7–9 regular season record, he won three playoff games and led the Destroyers to an appearance in ArenaBowl XXI, where they lost to the San Jose SaberCats.