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Jim Kelly, Hall of Fame quarterback and Pittsburgh native, gives health update after cancer battle

1 Nov 1992: Quarterback Jim Kelly of the Buffalo Bills passes the ball during a game against the New England Patriots at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game, 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
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Jim Kelly is doing well.

And, in a time where it just feels like we could all use some positive news, that’s pretty, darned positive.

Because there was a time where the Hall of Fame quarterback, Pittsburgh native and Buffalo Bills legend looked like he might be in trouble as he battled oral cancer. So, this week’s check-in with Kelly from his football camp in Buffalo, is as good as anyone could have hoped for.

“I still feel good,” Kelly reportedly said. “Mouth still hurts every once in a while, doing all the talking. But overall, I love it. I really do.”

Kelly even went as far as to say that his biggest physical issue is feeling like his age, a little, when he is around the campers.

“Their grandfathers and grandmothers told them about me,” he reportedly said. “IT wasn’t’ a mom and dad, it was grandfathers and grandmothers.”

Kelly reportedly had to have multiple surgeries and treatments in his cancer battle and overcame what was described as a “bleak prognosis.” It has been three years since he announced that he beat the disease.

Kelly, 62, passed for 36,467 yards and 237 touchdowns in his NFL career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kelly was an all-state pick at East Brady High School and played in the Big 33 Classic.

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