Pro Football Hall of Famer and Buffalo Bills legendary quarterback Jim Kelly received the best possible news a cancer patient can hope to receive. Kelly's doctors announced on Wednesday, August 20th, that a follow-up exam showed no evidence of cancer.

From the New York Head & Neck Institute:

"Jim Kelly was evaluated yesterday at the New York Head & Neck Institute at Lenox Hospital in Manhattan, three months after having completed the radiation and chemotherapy protocol designed to treat his recurrent sinus cancer. Dr. Peter Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute, stated that, "The treatments so far have completely eliminated Mr. Kelly's pain, and his level of function has essentially returned to normal. Further, on physical examination, there is no evidence of cancer."

Over the coming week, a series of tests will be performed to determine if any further treatment will be necessary. Constantino added, "It is possible that no further treatment will be required, and the testing over the next week will define this issue."

Kelly was originally diagnosed with cancer back in June 2013 and underwent a surgery where he had part of his jaw bone removed. He was then believed to be cancer-costless three weeks after being diagnosed.

The cancer returned in March and Kelly underwent both chemotherapy and radiation treatment over the past five months before receiving the news that he was cancer-costless on Wednesday.

Kelly was healthy enough to throw a pass to former teammate Andre Reed earlier this month when Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kelly's battle with cancer has been a public one, and attracted thousands of supporters and well-wishers on social media. "Kelly Tough" and "Prayers For JK" have become catch phrases and hashtags on Twitter by those voicing their support for Kelly.

The hall-of-fame quarterback holds many passing records in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. He also ranks 12th in total wins by a quarterback all-time with 101 wins over his 11 year career.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Bryan Castillo
Mechanical Engineer graduate from Texas A&M University class of 2012. Favorite teams are the Dallas Mavericks, Cowboys, & Texas Rangers.