Jim Kelly Speaker Biography
Legendary NFL Quarterback, Cancer Survivor, and Infant-Disease Screening Advocate
Since former NLF quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired from football, he has overcome incredible odds, surviving cancer, a plane crash and the loss of his nine-year-old son. He continues to leave a legacy off the field with his passion for giving back.
Football
Kelly began his illustrious career at the University of Miami. In 1983 he was the first round draft pick for the Buffalo Bills. However, he signed with the Houston Gamblers completing two seasons in the USFL before finally joining the Bills. He helped lead the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and six divisional championships from 1988 to 1995. Kelly holds a number of records for his time in Buffalo, including the all-time NFL record for the most yards gained per completion in a single game and most passing touchdowns in a season. Kelly’s number, 12, is the only jersey retired in Bills’ franchise history.
Philanthropy
Since losing his son Hunter to Krabbe disease, Kelly is a passionate advocate lobbying for the legislation and reform of infant-disease screening. The family organized Hunter’s Hope Foundation, dedicated to supporting and encouraging families affected by the illness. He also founded the Kelly for Kids Foundation, which is committed to serving disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York. Each summer he runs a football camp held in Rochester, New York, which has had over 10,000 campers attend since it’s inception in 1988.
Keynote Speaker
Kelly is a polished keynote speaker and has spoken to a wide variety of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, universities, health care organizations, as well as many other businesses. In his speech, he shares his life story of overcoming obstacles including his insights on teamwork, leadership, and having a special needs child. Kelly’s story is one of “Perseverance.”
Kelly currently resides with his wife and two daughters in Western New York.
Jim Kelly Speaking Topics
Kelly Tough - A Journey of Perseverance
Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. From growing up in East Brady, a small town in Pennsylvania, to facing a career threatening injury in his college days, to leading the Buffalo Bills team to an unprecedented four straight AFC championships, Jim’s toughness has been tested time and time again. After his retirement, not only did he lose his one and only son Hunter at the age of 8, to a disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy, Jim has also survived not one, but three battles with cancer. Jim speaks about the power of the four F’s – Faith, Friends, Family and Fans and what is really means to be “Kelly Tough.” His story is “A Journey of Perseverance”
Building Champions: Leadership, Teamwork, & Courage Under Pressure
Keynote speaker Jim Kelly has lived it firsthand. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time AFC Champion, and one of the toughest quarterbacks in NFL history, Jim’s leadership extended far beyond the field. As a cancer survivor and a father who endured the heartbreaking loss of his son to a rare disease, he knows what it means to fight through life’s greatest hardships. Through his keynote, Jim shares powerful lessons on leadership, teamwork, courage, and resilience—values that define champions in both sports and business. His story teaches organizations how to embrace challenges, strengthen unity, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. With an authentic, engaging, and motivational approach, Jim inspires teams to push past limits, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact.
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Jim Kelly Videos
Jim Kelly Speaker Testimonials
He came with his true self, and it showed through, he had the entire room laughing out loud and crying together.
- Ben Jones Vice President, Government Relations | The US Oncology Network
I just wanted to say thank you and tell you that the feedback from your appearance was exceptional. In the 5 years we have had the conference by far you were ranked as the best speaker the conference has had! Thank You for touching so many people.
- John A. Gaetano, CHFM, CHC Assistant Vice President Facilities Management | Cayuga Medical Center
Jim did an amazing job, and many have said that he is the best we have had in the 16-year history of speakers. We so appreciate all that he did to lift the spirits of our patients and families on the inpatient unit and the inspiration he provided to everyone who attended the event.
- Caleb Hegna, Director of Development for Iowa Methodist & Methodist West |
Your lecture last night was not only interesting, but inspirational! It had a great message behind it, especially for children and young adults. The audience was thrilled they had the opportunity to hear you speak and had a lot of positive things to say after the event. I think one audience member hit it on the nose by saying, ‘Jim Kelly was a great football player, but a better human being.
- Theodore Ryan, Programming Director | Brockport Student Government
