Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly announces that his oral cancer has returned

After being cancer-free for several years now, Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly announced on Thursday that the oral cancer that he was first diagnosed with in June of 2013 has returned.

Kelly and his family released the statement on social media.

As our family has faced many trials and triumphs throughout the years, you have blessed us with your prayers. We are asking for those prayers once again. The oral cancer we hoped would be gone forever has returned. Although I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive this news, I know that God is with me. I continuously talk about the four F’s. Faith, Family, Friends and Fans. With all of you by my side, we will fight and win this battle together. Staying “Kelly Tough” and trusting God, will carry us through this difficult time.

Kelly beat the disease shortly after being diagnosed, but it returned again in March of 2014. During his last battle with the illness, Kelly dealt with painful radiation burns on the roof of his mouth from receiving chemo therapy. He was unable to eat for months during treatment, leading to a large weight loss.

The last we had heard about Kelly’s treatments was in 2016, when he had another scan that told him he was cancer-free. Hopefully the constant scans were able to catch this latest diagnosis quickly.

The Bills released a statement today, as well:

We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Jim Kelly and his impending battle with cancer. Jim is a tough and courageous man and we know he will fight this battle with strength and determination. The Buffalo Bills will support the Kelly family during this trying time and we ask our fans to pray for the family as Jim begins the treatment process and the road to recovery.

We join with Bills fans everywhere to support Jim.

#KellyTough