YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In this excerpt from the 57th episode of the “It’s All About the Team” podcast, hosted by Jim Tressel, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly opens up about his life beyond football, sharing how faith, family and perseverance have shaped his journey.
Kelly, who led Buffalo to four straight Super Bowls, said the biggest victories in his life came after football, through personal tragedy and physical battles. After retiring in 1996, Kelly and his wife, Jill, welcomed their son Hunter, who was later diagnosed with Krabbe leukodystrophy, a rare and fatal genetic disease. Kelly recalled the emotional toll of caring for his son, who doctors said would not survive beyond infancy. Hunter died at age 8.
Kelly also discussed turning away from faith during that time before later returning and rebuilding his life. He would go on to face multiple rounds of cancer, adding that beating cancer four times has become a badge of strength and purpose.
“I might have lost four Super Bowls, but I kicked cancer’s butt four times,” Kelly said.
Through loss, illness and resilience, Kelly said he hopes to continue inspiring others — both on and off the field — while cherishing his role as a husband, father and now grandfather.
Watch the full episode HERE.