Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is asking for prayers.
The retired QB has spent the past month at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where he is preparing to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment, ESPN.com reported. Kelly was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer in his maxillary sinus and adjacent tissues last month.
Kelly left the hospital Friday to spend the weekend with family. He attended Friday night’s New York Knicks game with his daughter Erin, a celebratory surprise to her for making the dean’s list. His treatment begins next week and will be followed by a two-to-three month waiting period before doctors determine the need for surgery.
“It’s a humbling experience and it makes you feel good when so many people are out there praying for you,” Kelly told ESPN.com. “Just keep praying for me. I am going to need them.”
Executive director of Lenox Hill’s New York Head & Neck Institute described Kelly’s condition in a Tuesday statement as “very treatable and potentially curable.”
“My big battle is Monday when I go in to start my radiation and chemo,” Kelly told MSG Network. “I hope when it’s all over they get everything, but right now we’re praying for a miracle.”
The four-time AFC Champion led the Bills to the playoffs eight times during his 11 seasons, including four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. At the time of his retirement, his 84.4 passer rating ranked sixth all-time and his 237 touchdowns ranked thirteenth.
