Jim Kelly reveals he has treatable form of cancer

Orchard Park, NY – Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly revealed Monday that he has a treatable form of cancer.

Kelly issued a statement through the Buffalo Bills, saying he was diagnosed with cancer in the upper jaw and will undergo surgery on June 7. He said the cancer has not spread to other parts of his body.

"This past couple of weeks has been difficult for me and because of the nature of social media I thought it would be best to share with everyone what has been going on with my health," Kelly's statement began. "I was recently diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma (cancer) of the upper jaw bone. I have undergone tests which have shown that the cancer is isolated to my upper jaw and has not spread to other parts of my body. Surgery is scheduled for June 7 and doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good.

"With the excellent medical care that I will be receiving and the loving care of my wife Jill and my daughters Erin and Camryn and the support of my entire family and friends, I am extremely confident in my road to recovery. I plan to tackle this challenge head on, as we Kellys always do, with toughness, perseverance and faith.

"I want to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and would appreciate any prayers said for me and my family moving forward. May God continue to bless you and our family."

Kelly spent his entire NFL career with the Bills from 1986-96, leading the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.