In the Spotlight|April 10, 2014 03:51 EDT
Jim Kelly Cancer Update: NFL Hall of Famer Maintains Christian Faith Despite Battle, 'Whatever I did in Life I Never Did Alone, It's in the Lord's Hands Now' (VIDEOS)
The legendary QB won many games as a member of the Buffalo Bills, but Jim Kelly is battling new opponent off the field: Oral Cancer. The QB is undergoing multiple medical treatments to deal with the cancerous tumors in his head. In a recent interview, the Hall of Fame QB reveals that as a Christian he knows how powerful prayers are.
"My big battle starts Monday, when I start my radiation and chemo, and I hope when it's all over they get everything, but right now we're praying for a miracle," said Kelly to MSG Network's Jill Martin during a Knicks vs Wizards game at Madison Square Garden. "Just keep praying for me. I am going to need them."
In another interview, Kelly talks about how his personal relationship with Jesus Christ has helped through this difficult time. In addition, he also talks about other issues he dealt with in the past thanks to his faith in God.
"There is no way I'd be here without my faith," said Kelly to Sports Illustrated in March. "It's been such a roller coaster. So many things. The Super Bowl losses, the fabulous career, my son born sick, making the Hall of Fame, my son dying, two plates and 10 screws in my back after major surgery, one plate and six screws in my neck after another surgery, a double hernia, the cancer, surgery on my jaw, the cancer coming back, now what I'm facing."
Kelly faced a lot of adversity as the Buffalo Bills QB, leading his team to four straight Super Bowl appearances from 1991 to 1994. Unfortunately, Kelly and the Bills franchise have never won a Super Bowl championship.
"I guarantee the normal person wouldn't have been able to take it," said Kelly to Sports Illustrated last month. "Some days I don't know how I did. I complained about my headaches for months, and for a while I thought it was just part of the healing process from such a serious surgery. But obviously it was more than that. I'd look up to the Lord and say, 'I give. Uncle. You got me. But now, this is just another river to cross. Whatever I did in life I never did alone. It's in the Lord's hands now."
Kelly played 11 seasons in the NFL. He ended his HOF career with 237 touchdowns and 175 interceptions, which is some of the records he has with the Bills. In addition, Kelly also rushed for 1,049 yards and seven touchdowns.