Health of Cancer-Stricken Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly Deteriorates

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is dealing with a recurrence of an aggressive cancer, and according to his wife, Jill, his health is deteriorating.

Kelly was diagnosed with upper jaw cancer last summer and underwent surgery to remove part of his jaw. He was declared cancer free, but the cancer has returned. According to USA Today, he's expected to have surgery again.

Jim Kelly holds most of the Buffalo Bills passing records, after leading his team to the Super Bowl four times. Kelly was the third quarterback taken in the 1983 NFL Draft, the same year John Elway was selected with the #1 overall pick. Elway was among those who tweeted thoughts and prayers to Kelly and his family, saying, "there's not a tougher or stronger guy to handle this battle."

Cancer is a horrible disease. Most of us have lost friends and loved ones to this dreadful monster. It is no respecter of persons. It doesn't care how much money you have, how much success and fame you have enjoyed, it doesn't care what the color of your skin is, or your religious preferences.

While we haven't heard an exact prognosis on Jim Kelly's future, based on his wife's comments, it can't be good. Myself, having  lost an uncle to cancer very recently, I can't help but think of Kelly's family and what they are going through. At age 54, Jim Kelly isn't much older than me, and I'm reminded of my mortality and the uncertainty that tomorrow holds for each of us.

It's a sad, sad story, that we witness far too often - a good life and a good soul is wiped out by some terrible disease or tragedy. It's a hopeless feeling for those on the outside looking in. All we can do is pray for the afflicted, and for their families. Our prayers are with Jim Kelly and his family today.