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HOF Quarterback Jim Kelly's Cancer Returns, Aggressively Spreading

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh native and Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly's cancer has reportedly returned, and is aggressively spreading.

Earlier this month Kelly was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in eight months.

His wife Jill Kelly wrote on a personal blog last week that, "the cancer is back, aggressive, and starting to spread."

Kelly was supposed to undergo surgery Thursday, but the Bills put out a statement Wednesday:

Lenox Hill Hospital today announced that Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly will begin cancer treatment this week, under the direction of Peter D. Costantino, MD, executive director of the hospital's New York Head & Neck Institute and a renowned skull-based surgeon.

Despite earlier news media reports, the Buffalo Bills legend will not undergo surgery this week. Dr. Costantino said his likely treatment regimen will begin with chemotherapy, radiation, and potentially surgery. Dr. Costantino describes this as a well-recognized strategy designed to treat the cancer present in Mr. Kelly's maxillary sinus and adjacent tissues.

Over the weekend, Kelly's daughter Erin, posted a photo to her Instagram account showing her in a hospital bed with her dad watching a Syracuse basketball game.

jimkellyinstagram
Photo Credit/Erin Kelly/Instagram

Kelly, a former player at East Brady High School passed for 3,915 yards and 44 touchdowns during his high school career, which gave him all-state honors.

He played for the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1996 where he was a five-time Pro Bowler and made First-Team All-Pro in 1991.

The Bills' all-time leader in passing touchdowns and completions would also make it to the Super Bowl four consecutive times, but did not win a title.

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