Jim Kelly accepts Jimmy V Award with emotional speech at ESPYs

Democrat and Chronicle

Show Caption Hide Caption Jim Kelly speaks about receiving Jimmy V award Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly speaks about receiving the Jimmy V award as the ESPYs.

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly urged everyone to be a "difference-maker" during an inspiring speech at the ESPYs in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Kelly, who is three weeks removed from a follow-up procedure for oral cancer, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, named after North Carolina State men's basketball coach Jim Valvano.

"Make a difference today for someone who is fighting for their tomorrow. You don't need to be a Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers to make a difference out there," Kelly said during his ESPYs speech, which was televised on ABC. "Every single person in this room can be a difference-maker.

"Put a smile on those faces. My kids, my friends when they came in to see me, not once did they have a frown on their face."

Kelly was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and after a number of procedures over the years, was declared cancer-free in 2016. However, the disease returned earlier this year in March, requiring a 12-hour surgery to remove oral cancer.

He was joined on stage by his two daughters, Erin and Camryn, and Hall of Famers Dan Marino and John Elway. All three quarterbacks were selected in the 1983 NFL draft.

"I urge anybody out there if you have somebody out there who is suffering — it doesn't have to be cancer — it could be somebody not having a good day. It could be your mom, your dad, it could be your grandparents," Kelly said.

"What you say to them and the smile you have on your face, that could be the difference in them making it the next day. Always, always persevere. Like Jimmy V said, 'Never, ever give up.'"

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