Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is recovering after a 12-hour operation Wednesday to remove oral cancer that had returned after being in remission since 2015.
Operating surgeon Dr. Mark Urken told The Buffalo News that the surgery to remove the cancer as well as lymph nodes from Kelly's neck was successful and that Kelly “is resting comfortably post-operatively” at Mount Sinai Hospital.
The cancer recurrence was detected in March during preparations to have part of his jaw affected by earlier surgeries reconstructed because of severe pain he has had for the last three years.
A technique called microvascular reconstruction took part of Kelly’s fibula and inserted it in his jaw, The Buffalo News said. The fibula will continue to function normally because it is not weight-bearing, and Kelly will still be able to play sports and be active after recovery. He is expected to be in the hospital for two weeks recovering.
“The Kelly family requests that you continue to pray for Jim’s recovery as it will be extensive,” Kelly said in a statement through the hospital, The Buffalo News reported.
Kelly, 58, played with the Buffalo Bills for 11 seasons, retiring in 1996 but continuing to live in Buffalo. With him as quarterback, the Bills made it to the Super Bowl four times in the early 1990s.
Kelly will be screened again in three months, at which time a long-term prognosis from the surgery will be determined, ESPN reported.
Many fans tweeted their prayers and good wishes for Kelly.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.