Jim Kelly Confirms Return Of Oral Cancer

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (KDKA/AP) - Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly he has once again been diagnosed with oral cancer.

Kelly released a statement Thursday through his publicist saying he is "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news, and vows to once again to fight to overcome the disease. He did not go into specifics on the diagnoses except to say the cancer was discovered following a test.

"The oral cancer we hoped would be gone forever has returned. Although I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive this news, I know God is with me. I continuously talk with 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 had been cancer-free since September 2014, but had been required to undergo follow-up testing every six months.

Kelly's battle with cancer began in June 2013, when he had surgery to remove cancerous cells in his upper jaw. The cancer then spread to his sinus in March of 2014. Kelly then spent two months undergoing a barrage of treatments that left him in a weakened state but successfully removed the cancerous cells.

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.

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