Jim Kelly’s Health Update
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly shared that he’s feeling “very well” following a stroke he experienced earlier this spring, which required a hospital stay of several days.
Speaking at a ribbon-cutting event for the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, where the Bills will play this season, Kelly’s announcement took many by surprise. It was meant to be a celebratory occasion, marking a fresh chapter for the Bills.
“I had a little setback about a month and a half ago,” Kelly explained. “But I feel good now. My eyesight isn’t that great. My hearing is still bad, but that’s part of life.”
The 66-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer has had his share of health challenges over the years. He has battled cancer multiple times, with his most recent surgery in 2018 to remove oral cancer, which involved reconstructive work on his upper jaw. He also underwent chemotherapy in 2014 for cancer found in his maxillary sinuses after an initial surgery in 2013 for squamous cell carcinoma.
Fortunately, Kelly reported that the results of a recent cancer test were “good.”
Reflecting on his life changes and return to his faith, he added, “Everything is fine.” Kelly remains a significant figure in Bills history, having played as the team’s franchise quarterback from 1986 to 1996. He led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, although it’s often remembered for the four losses.
While Josh Allen currently leads the team and has achieved success, the Bills are still searching for that elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy. Since Allen was drafted in 2018, the Bills have reached the AFC Championship Game twice, only to be defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs both times.
Living in the Western New York area, Kelly is actively involved with the Bills and anticipates their first game in the new stadium. The team is set to host the Detroit Lions in their season opener on September 17th, hoping to secure a win in their new home.
“It’s going to be special, not just for the players, but for the fans. Just imagine how crazy and wild and loud they’re going to be,” Kelly remarked. “I want to see how loud this stadium gets. From what I’ve heard, it’s going to be incredible, but I don’t expect anything less.”
Buffalo fans are well-known for their unique pregame rituals, like jumping over folding tables and enjoying food from file cabinets during tailgates. The chants of “Let’s Go Buffalo!” will continue ringing out in the new stadium, which can host 60,108 fans on game day. Although the capacity is over 10,000 less than the previous venue, seating arrangements are expected to be advantageous.
