Jim Kelly
NFL
Draft Round 1 – 14th overall
USFL Most Valuable Player (1984)
USFL Rookie of the Year (1984)
First-team All-Pro (1991)
2× First-team All-USFL (1984, 1985)
Second-team All-Pro (1992)
5× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988, 1990–1992)
NFL passing touchdowns leader (1991)
NFL passer rating leader (1990)
NFL completion percentage leader (1990)
Second-team All-South Independent (1981)
Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team
Buffalo Bills No. 12 retired
USFL All-Time Team
University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame
NCAA Inspiration Award (2018)
About Jim Kelly
Jim Kelly: The Heartbeat of Buffalo
February 14, 1960, marked the birth of a future legend—Jim Kelly, a quarterback who would not only make his mark in football history but also embed himself in the heart and soul of Buffalo, NY. Though born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kelly has become a symbol of resilience, leadership, and community for the city of Buffalo, solidifying his status as a local icon.
Early Beginnings
Jim Kelly grew up in East Brady, a small town outside Pittsburgh, where he showcased his athletic prowess early on. He was a star quarterback in high school, racking up nearly 4,000 passing yards and making a name for himself in Pennsylvania sports circles. Despite being recruited by Penn State, he declined their offer to play linebacker because he was determined to stick with quarterbacking—a decision that would change Buffalo’s sports history forever.
Kelly went on to play college football at the University of Miami. At a time when the Hurricanes’ football program was rebuilding, Kelly’s leadership and skill helped put the team back in the spotlight. During his college years, he demonstrated the strong-arm accuracy and football IQ that would later define his professional career.
The Road to Buffalo
Drafted 14th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1983, Kelly initially opted to play in the USFL with the Houston Gamblers. When the fledgling league folded, Kelly finally joined the Bills in 1986, much to the delight of Buffalo fans, who had been eagerly awaiting their star QB. What followed was a decade of football that would cement Kelly’s place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history—and as a beloved figure in Buffalo.
Leading the Bills to Glory
Kelly is best known for leading the Buffalo Bills to an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1991 to 1994, a feat unmatched in NFL history. Though the team fell short of victory in each of those games, their dominance in the AFC and Kelly’s leadership made them one of the most formidable teams of the era.
At the core of the Bills’ success was the famed “K-Gun” offense, a no-huddle, fast-paced attack that disrupted defenses across the league. With star players like running back Thurman Thomas and wide receiver Andre Reed at his side, Kelly orchestrated one of the most electrifying offenses in football.
Kelly’s stats speak for themselves. Over his 11-season career with the Bills, he threw for 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and led the league in passing touchdowns in 1991. His number 12 jersey is the only one retired by the Bills, a testament to his impact on the franchise.
Beyond the Field
What truly sets Jim Kelly apart is not just his achievements on the field but also his influence off of it. Kelly embraced Buffalo with open arms, becoming a local hero and a pillar of the community. He exemplified the city’s spirit—tough, hardworking, and unyielding in the face of adversity.
Kelly’s battles with personal and family challenges only deepened his bond with the Buffalo community. His son, Hunter, was born with Krabbe disease, a rare genetic disorder; Kelly turned this heartbreak into action by founding Hunter’s Hope, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Krabbe disease research.
Later, Kelly faced his own trials when he was diagnosed with oral cancer. Through rounds of treatment and recovery, he showed the same grit and determination that defined his football career. His perseverance inspired countless fans, and his strength became a rallying point for the Buffalo community.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, even years after his retirement, Kelly continues to be a guiding presence in Buffalo. He is a frequent face at Bills games, cheering on the team and mentoring young players. His contributions to football earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, but his contributions to Buffalo go far beyond the game.
Jim Kelly is more than an NFL legend—he is Buffalo’s adopted son, a man who embodies the city’s resilience and passion. His name will forever be synonymous with Buffalo’s love for football and its unwavering community spirit.
Here’s to Jim Kelly, Buffalo’s eternal quarterback and an icon whose legacy will continue to inspire for generations.