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Jim Kelly Will Receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at The 2018 ESPYS

Jim Kelly is going to be honored at The 2018 ESPYS this summer! The former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the show.

Kelly, who led the Bills to four straight AFC championships, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his jaw in 2013. Over the past five years since his diagnosis, Jim has embodied the definition of perseverance with his spirit and fearless attitude.

“I am honored to receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at The ESPYS,” said Kelly. “It’s humbling to now be included on the long list of inspirational and courageous recipients of this prestigious award. I’d like to thank the V Foundation and ESPN for my consideration, as well as, for all of the incredible work they do for cancer research. They truly do ‘make a difference today for someone who is fighting for their tomorrow.’”

The Jimmy V Perseverance Award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination. In 2007, Women’s College basketball coach Kay Yow became the very first recipient of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Past recipients include Eric LeGrand, Anthony Robles, George Karl, Dick and Rick Hoyt, Stuart Scott, Devon and Leah Still, Craig Sager and Jarrius Robertson.

Kelly began his career in 1983, when he was picked 14th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft. After starting with the Houston Gamblers, he moved on to play for the Buffalo Bills in 1986, where he famously ran their “K-Gun” no-huddle offense. From 1991 to 1994, he helped lead the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls. In his first year of eligibility, Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

In 2013, Kelly got the news that would change his life forever when he learned that he had a form of cancer in his upper jaw. After being told he was cancer-free that same year, the disease returned shortly thereafter. After many grueling years of chemotherapy and radiation, Kelly announced his oral cancer had returned in March 2018, three-and-a-half years after he was declared cancer-free.

Hosted by Danica Patrick, the 2018 ESPYS will air LIVE from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 18th @ 8PM ET/PT on ABC.

Author

  • Juliet Schroder

    Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and exploring the latest fashion trends. Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.

Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and…

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