Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. Renowned for his leadership and skill, Kelly led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1991 to 1994. His jersey number, 12, is the only number ever retired in Buffalo Bills' history, a testament to his impact on the franchise and the sport. In August 2002, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, attaining one of the highest honors in professional football.

Born in East Brady, Pennsylvania, Kelly's resilience was evident from his youth, overcoming a career-threatening injury during his college days at the University of Miami. Before joining the NFL, he honed his skills with the Houston Gamblers of the United States Football League, where he was named USFL Player of the Year in 1984 after setting a league record with 5,219 passing yards and 44 touchdowns. His career in the NFL was marked by his toughness and a defining role in popularizing the "No-Huddle Offense," earning him the nickname "Machine-Gun Kelly."

Off the field, Kelly faced profound personal challenges, including the loss of his son Hunter to Krabbe Leukodystrophy and surviving three bouts with cancer. Alongside his wife, Jill, he established Hunter's Hope Foundation, which has significantly impacted numerous lives by raising awareness and funds for Krabbe disease and other genetic disorders. His narrative is a compelling blend of professional achievement and profound personal resilience, making him a respected figure both in and out of sports.