Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly has been diagnosed with cancer in his upper jaw bone, he announced Monday, but the chances he will recover are very good.
Kelly, 53, led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1991-92.
Special: This Small Group of Doctors is Quietly Curing Cancer
He released a statement saying he will undergo surgery June 7 for the Squamous-cell carcinoma isolated in his upper jaw, according to Reuters.
"With the excellent medical care that I will be receiving and the loving care of my wife, Jill, and my daughters, Erin and Camryn, and the support of my entire family and friends, I am extremely confident in my road to recovery," Kelly said. "I plan to tackle this challenge head on, as we Kellys always do, with toughness, perseverance and faith."
He said he chose to make the announcement before the start of his Kelly For Kids charitable foundation's annual celebrity golf tournament to prevent news of his cancer first appearing through social media.
Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. He threw for 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns during his 11-year NFL career — all with the Bills, after starring at the University of Miami.
"I want to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and would appreciate any prayers said for me and my family moving forward. May God continue to bless you and our family," Kelly said in the statement.
Here's what people are saying on Twitter:
ALERT:
These 7 Things Activate Alzheimer’s In Your Brain
Related stories:
Where Are Football’s Black Kickers?
Tebow's Dad Denies Report Son's Football Career is Over
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.