Batavia, N.Y. -- Months after having reconstructive jaw surgery to combat the return of cancer, Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly made his way out to Terry Hills Golf Course for his 32nd charity golf tournament.
It still hurts Kelly to speak for too long and he's still not eating solid food. But he addressed the crowd at his tournament and even spoke to reporters for a few minutes. This latest battle with cancer has been tough on him, but he doesn't even get down about it. In fact, the courage he's shown will be awarded at the ESPYs next month when he will receive the Jimmy V Award for perseverance and determination. ESPN hasn't confirmed that Kelly will receive the award only that he's a finalist. They are expected to confirm the news later on Monday.
"I was just told about a week and a half ago that I'm receiving an ESPY for the Jimmy V award," Kelly said. "People are saying, 'that's awesome.' Yeah, it's awesome. The only thing bad about it is you have to go through a lot in order to get that award. I just know in my heart that the good lord put me in this situation to help other people. Not just people going through cancer, but little kids that are going through tough times to never give up to keep fighting because you never know."
As golfers teed off behind him, Kelly couldn't help but think of the charities being helped by this tournament and of how lucky he was to be standing there.
"People talk about the Kelly Tough part," Kelly said. "Yeah it is, but after a while, even when you're strong like that, you sometimes look and you wonder why all of this continues to happen. To be honest with you, I know why. I've been through a lot but since day one. I know why I'm going through it: to be able to tell other people in similar situations to never give up."