Kelly Reveals Health Setback
Bills Legend Jim Kelly Reveals Minor Stroke During Stadium Ceremony, Expressing Resilience and Optimism
Key Points
Kelly's cancer history spans multiple bouts: in 2013 he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his upper jaw and underwent surgery to remove it, after which he was cancer-free; the cancer returned in 2014, prompting radiation and chemotherapy (he also fought MRSA in his bones in 2014); another recurrence occurred in 2018 with jaw reconstruction, and he was declared cancer-free again in January 2019.
During the ribbon-cutting for Highmark Stadium, Kelly described his stroke as a 'slight setback' about a month and a half ago and said he is feeling fine and great, with scans having come back clean.
Beyond health news, Kelly's on-field legacy includes 11 NFL seasons with the Bills, 35,467 passing yards and 237 touchdowns, and leading Buffalo to four straight Super Bowl appearances; he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Kelly attended the ceremony at 66 years old, underscoring his continued public presence and commitment to Bills history despite ongoing health challenges.
Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly revealed at the ribbon-cutting for the new Highmark Stadium that he suffered a minor stroke about a month and a half ago. Kelly, 66, said he spent several days in the hospital but is now feeling fine. "It was a slight setback," he told reporters, adding that his scans have come back clean NBC Sports.
The announcement came as the Bills celebrated the opening of their $2.2 billion stadium on June 23, 2026. Kelly's health news added an emotional layer to an already historic day for the franchise and the city of Buffalo WYRK.
Kelly Describes Stroke Symptoms and Days in Hospital
Kelly said the stroke happened in early May 2026. He spent several days in the hospital before returning home. He described symptoms including problems with his eyesight and hearing — two common signs of a stroke depending on which part of the brain is affected WGRZ.
Despite the scare, Kelly struck an upbeat tone at the ceremony. He called himself "blessed" and said he looks forward to watching Bills games with his grandson, Beau Hunter Bean. "My main prayer is to have extra years" to spend with him, Kelly said WYRK.
A Long History of Health Battles Since Retiring
This is far from Kelly's first major health scare. In June 2013, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma — a type of cancer — in his upper jaw. The cancer returned in 2014, forcing him to go through radiation and chemotherapy. He also battled MRSA, a dangerous bone infection, that same year Total Pro Sports.
The cancer came back again in 2018, requiring major jaw reconstruction surgery using bone from his femur. He was declared cancer-free in January 2019. His scans remain clean on that front today, which he confirmed alongside the stroke news NBC Sports.
Hall of Famer Remains the Face of the Bills Franchise
Kelly played 11 seasons with the Bills. He threw for 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns — both franchise records. He led Buffalo to four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, a run that has never been matched by any other team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002 Yahoo Sports.
His "Kelly Tough" mantra, born during those Super Bowl years, became a rallying cry for Bills fans during his cancer fights. Sports commentators noted that his presence at the stadium opening — despite his stroke — showed he remains the franchise's most visible ambassador WYRK.
$2.2 Billion Stadium Anchors Bills in Buffalo for 30 Years
The new Highmark Stadium cost $2.2 billion to build, up from an original estimate of $1.4 billion. New York State put in $600 million and Erie County added $250 million — the largest public subsidy for an NFL stadium in history at the time of signing. The Pegula family absorbed more than $560 million in cost overruns WGRZ.
The stadium seats 60,108 fans, making it the smallest venue in the NFL. It features a 360-degree canopy and open-air design meant to preserve Buffalo's cold-weather home-field edge. The Bills' first home game there is set for September 17, 2026, against the Detroit Lions WYRK.
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