Jim Kelly says he is recovering after stroke six weeks ago

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly said Tuesday he is recovering after suffering a stroke about six weeks ago. The former Buffalo Bills star, 64, said he spent several days in the hospital and that follow-up scans have been clean. Kelly said he feels good overall, though some symptoms have lingered since he was discharged.

Kelly said his eyesight is “not great” and his hearing is still not where he wants it to be, adding that he views some of those issues as part of getting older. He did not provide further medical details about the stroke.

Kelly described the episode as a setback but said his condition has stabilized and he has been encouraged by recent test results. He said he is looking ahead to the start of the upcoming NFL season and expects to be around football as the year gets underway.

What Kelly shared about his condition

Kelly said he was hospitalized for several days after the stroke and has continued to undergo checkups since returning home. He said recent scans have shown no new concerns, an update he described as reassuring as he works through the remaining effects.

He did not outline a specific timetable for public appearances. Kelly’s comments suggested he is aiming to resume normal routines as his recovery continues and the season approaches.

Long-running health issues since retirement

The stroke is the latest major health challenge for Kelly since his playing career ended. He retired after the 1996 NFL season and has previously dealt with repeated bouts of squamous cell carcinoma.

Kelly was first diagnosed with cancer in his upper jaw in 2013 and underwent surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy following multiple recurrences. He has spoken publicly about trying to maintain a positive outlook while managing those setbacks.

Kelly said his condition will continue to be monitored through follow-up care as the NFL season draws nearer.