Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly revealed Tuesday that he suffered a stroke earlier this spring but said he is feeling much better after a brief hospital stay and remains optimistic about the future.
Ithaca soccer standout picks Marist Kelly shared the update while attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium, saying the health scare occurred about six weeks ago.
“I had a little setback about a month and a half ago,” Kelly said. “But right now, I feel good. Eyesight’s not great. My hearing still sucks, but that’s part of life.”
The 66-year-old has faced numerous health challenges throughout the years. Kelly underwent surgery in 2013 to remove squamous cell carcinoma from his upper jaw and later received chemotherapy after cancer was discovered in his maxillary sinus. Additional surgeries followed in 2018 to remove oral cancer and reconstruct his upper jaw.
Despite those battles, Kelly said his most recent medical tests have provided encouraging news.
“Everything’s good,” Kelly said. “All good.”
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One of the most iconic figures in Bills history, Kelly quarterbacked Buffalo from 1986 to 1996 and led the franchise to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. His perseverance through multiple health struggles earned him the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance in 2018.
Now, Kelly is turning his attention toward the next chapter of Bills football. As construction nears completion on the team’s new home, he is eager to experience the atmosphere alongside fans and family members, including his grandson.
“It’s going to be special, not only for the players, but imagine the fans in there, how crazy and wild and loud they’re going to get,” Kelly said. “And that’s what I’m looking forward to. I want to see how loud this stadium can get. And from what I’ve been told, it’s going to be unbelievable, but I don’t expect anything less.”
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.