Jim Kelly’s Health Journey: Overcoming Cancer and Facing New Milestones

Jim Kelly, a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback recently revealed that he suffered from a stroke this spring which resulted in his hospitalization for a few days. He currently reports “feeling really good.” This news comes as a shock after his previous battles with oral cancer, among other major health issues.

Kelly’s first touch of cancer occurred in June 2013 when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma that was found in his upper jawbone. This meant he had to undergo surgery to remove part of his jaw, the roof of his mouth and several teeth. The cancer returned in March 2014, where it aggressively spread to his sinus cavity. As a result, Kelly had to undergo several months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Despite being declared cancer-free later that year, Kelly faced another recurrence in March 2018 that led to further reconstructive procedures.

Although several long-term physical effects have risen as a result of the extensive surgeries and treatments, Kelly’s recent health scans have returned completely clean.

Despite having undergone so many procedures, Kelly has been an active advocate for raising awareness for oral, head and neck cancers on his public platforms. He often attributes his strength to his “four F's”— Faith, Family, Friends, and Fans —while encouraging others to go for early cancer screenings.

Kelly also had a minor stroke a month and a half ago, but continues to remain upbeat and connected to the Buffalo Bills. He recently signed a new three-year ambassadorship with the team and has said that he is eager to attend the 2026 home opener at the brand-new Highmark Stadium alongside his family and supporters. "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."