Chiefs’ National Champion Cornerback Turned Down the Colts Offer, Saying He Wants to Retire as a Chief.

Buffalo, New York. November 23, 2025 In an emotional surge that has swept across Western New York, Bills Mafia is coming together in powerful, unwavering support of Jim Kelly — the quarterback who defined a generation, reshaped the identity of a franchise, and carried an entire city on his shoulders. Now 65, the Hall of Famer and architect of the iconic K-Gun offense is facing a renewed and devastating stage of his long battle with cancer, prompting an outpouring of love and prayers unlike anything Buffalo has seen in years. For Bills fans, Jim Kelly isn’t just a legend. He is Buffalo. The five-time Pro Bowler who led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993, the fearless commander of the no-huddle offense, and the face of resilience in a city built on it. Kelly’s legacy has transcended touchdowns and trophies. He became the spiritual heartbeat of the franchise, the embodiment of fight, loyalty and belief — even in the face of heartbreak. And today, that same spirit is what millions are rallying to protect. Kelly’s battle with cancer began in 2013 when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the jaw. He fought through surgeries, treatments and painful complications, inspiring a nation with updates anchored in his trademark mantra: faith, family and Bills Mafia. But in 2024, the cancer returned aggressively, and by 2025, Kelly confirmed that he was facing stage 4 recurrence. His social media posts and podcast appearances revealed a man continuing to fight through fatigue, rounds of chemotherapy and temporary loss of his voice — yet still showing up at community events, still supporting the team, still refusing to back down. The news of Kelly’s latest health setback spread through Buffalo like a lightning bolt. What followed was a wave of solidarity, memories and prayer. On X (formerly Twitter), #PrayForJimKelly surged to the top of the local trends within hours. Fans posted photos from the 1990s glory years — Kelly raising his fist after a touchdown, embracing teammates on the sideline or standing defiantly after Super Bowl heartbreaks. Others shared deeply personal stories about how Kelly’s perseverance shaped their own lives. “Jim taught us what it means to fight, what it means to stand up after every hit,” one fan wrote, echoing thousands of messages. Clips of the no-huddle offense, the comeback wins, the iconic throws and celebrations filled Bills forums, each post carrying the same message: We’re with you, 12. But the love extended far beyond football nostalgia. Kelly’s commitment to the Buffalo community — from helping families facing medical crises to mentoring young athletes — remains unmatched. For more than a decade, he has turned his platform into a beacon of encouragement, purpose and compassion. Even as his health declined, Kelly continued participating in charity events, hospital visits and team functions, strengthening the bond between himself and Bills Mafia. Today, that bond feels unbreakable. Highmark Stadium, social media feeds and households across Western New York are unified behind a single sentiment: Buffalo stands with Jim Kelly. His fight is not his alone; it belongs to every fan who ever believed in the Bills, every child who watched him play, every family he touched through his resilience. Stay strong, Jim. Bills Mafia stands with you — forever.