Jim Kelly's ESPYs speech was an emotional moment Wednesday night when the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Kelly, who is battling oral cancer, used his acceptance speech in hopes of inspiring others to support those around them.
"Make a difference today for someone who is fighting for their tomorrow," Kelly said. "When I look across this arena, and when I talk to people, you don't need to be a Russell Wilson or an Aaron Rodgers to make a difference out there. Every single person in this room can be a difference-maker. You can be a normal person that gets up every morning and goes to work. But you can be a difference-maker, putting smiles on those faces."
Kelly, 58, was accompanied on stage by his daughters, Erin and Camryn. ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman and fellow Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino presented Kelly the award, which is named in honor of former North Carolina State men's basketball coach Jim Valvano, who also had cancer.
"I just urge everybody out there, if you have somebody out there who is suffering -- it doesn't have to be cancer -- it could be somebody not having a good day. It could be your mom or your dad. It could be your grandparents," Kelly said. "What you say to them, the smile that you have on your face, that could be the difference in them making it to the next day. Remember that. Always, always persevere. Like Jimmy V said, 'Never, ever give up.'"
Another standout moment from the night came when the survivors of Larry Nassar's sexual abuse were given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
The hundreds of women, or "sister survivors," were honored for speaking out against Nassar, the former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics team doctor who is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison for his crimes of sexual abuse.
"Telling our story over and over again in graphic detail is not easy ... it is grueling and it is painful, but it is time," said Sarah Klein, who identified herself as Nassar's first victim.
Award winners on the night included Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, who took home Best Male Athlete. U.S. Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim was named Best Female Athlete.
The award for outstanding team went to the Houston Astros, who won last year's World Series. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was awarded Best Championship Performance for his work in Philadelphia's Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots.
Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns out of Oklahoma, was named Best College Athlete.
The 2018 ESPYs were hosted by former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who became the first female to host the event.
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