Jim Kelly's Health: A Historic Perspective

Jim Kelly's Health Battles

Jim Kelly, the legendary Buffalo Bills quarterback, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. From his early days as a player to his retirement, Kelly has battled injuries, surgeries, and cancer. In 1986, Kelly suffered a knee injury that required surgery. The injury forced him to miss the entire 1987 season. In 1996, Kelly was diagnosed with oral cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and missed the entire 1997 season.

Cancer Recovery and Return to Football

After undergoing surgery, Kelly returned to the Bills in 1998. He led the team to the playoffs that season, but they lost in the AFC Championship Game. Kelly retired from football in 1999 after 11 seasons with the Bills.

Life After Football

After retiring from football, Kelly worked as a television analyst and motivational speaker. In 2013, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and has since been cancer-free.

Current Health Status

In 2021, Kelly was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated head trauma. Symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment. Kelly's diagnosis of CTE is a reminder of the risks of playing football. The NFL has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years for its handling of concussions and head injuries. Despite his health challenges, Kelly remains an inspiration to many. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.