- May 21, 2026
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Hall of Famer Jim Kelly has had a run of bad health luck since retiring from the NFL after the 1996 season. A cancer survivor, the former Bills quarterback revealed Tuesday that he had a stroke last month.
“I spent a few days in the hospital, but right now I feel good,” Kelly said, via Kim DeGeorge of WGRZ. “Eyesight's not great. My hearing still sucks, but that's part of life. It's part of getting old, but I feel really good. Scans have been clean and all. Everything's good, all good.”
Kelly is a four-time survivor of squamous cell carcinoma. He was first diagnosed in his upper jaw in 2013 and underwent multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy to beat the disease after several recurrences.
Despite his health challenges, Kelly has always maintained a positive outlook.
“I’m very blessed,” Kelly said. “It’s been about a month and a half since my setback, but I feel pretty good. I feel good. I can’t wait for the first game.”
Kelly hopes to enjoy many years of football in the Bills' new stadium.
“I pray to the good Lord that it gives me some extra years that I'll be able to enjoy a football game right here in Highmark Stadium with my grandson,” Kelly said.
“I spent a few days in the hospital, but right now I feel good,” Kelly said, via Kim DeGeorge of WGRZ. “Eyesight's not great. My hearing still sucks, but that's part of life. It's part of getting old, but I feel really good. Scans have been clean and all. Everything's good, all good.”
Kelly is a four-time survivor of squamous cell carcinoma. He was first diagnosed in his upper jaw in 2013 and underwent multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy to beat the disease after several recurrences.
Despite his health challenges, Kelly has always maintained a positive outlook.
“I’m very blessed,” Kelly said. “It’s been about a month and a half since my setback, but I feel pretty good. I feel good. I can’t wait for the first game.”
Kelly hopes to enjoy many years of football in the Bills' new stadium.
“I pray to the good Lord that it gives me some extra years that I'll be able to enjoy a football game right here in Highmark Stadium with my grandson,” Kelly said.