Jim Kelly accepts Jimmy V Award for Perseverance | 2018 ESPYS | ESPN Archive

ladies and gentlemen the recipient of the 2018 Jimmy B award for perseverance Jim Kelly [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] Wow it is never easy watching video Obama about my sons so many time does rent it continue to dream about my son Hunter and what he's made my life they will never stop and then when I looked up here and I see Dan and I see John I just reflect back on some of the things we've been through and some of the things we went through and all the good times our golf tournaments that you know which has so much fun dan you and I battling year after years twice a year and John on behalf of the class of 1980 three to five other quarterbacks thank you for winning two Super Bowls for us we appreciate it especially Ben and then when I look back in my life I've always lived by the four FS the one I had but out change it was fun even though I still have fun I put the one in there that means more to me now than it ever has and that's my face my face thing hadrosaurs that he has plans he has plans for my life through my son Hunter we will make the difference my family Wow I don't know what I can say my daughter Aaron every single time she walks into the hospital I got one time did she ever have a frown on her face it was always daddy you look so good you are so cute and she give me a hug my daughter Cameron so many times she recovered me and I didn't want to leave her go even today when she hugs me I don't want to leave her go and my wife feel you are my heart you are my soul you are my everything I love you Jill my brothers I have five brothers Pat Edie ray Jeannie's heaven they've been through everything with me their good times and bad times the super bowls we had fun but I'll tell you what I wouldn't be here today for wasn't for my five brothers I love you does my bills family from the Wilson family to Tyrion simple due to our new owners sort of wacky doodle buddies of my Bruce Thurmond Andre Darrel biscuit wills TAS sir all you guys every single day yet continue to have group text messaging it drives me crazy so they always put me in it but she doing it it makes me laugh it puts smiles on my faces my hunters hope family there are 60 families right now in Buffalo New York that their kids have the same diseases my son has they are trying to make a difference I just want to let them know that I will be home tomorrow my family to go with you and you'll be able to go out there and make a difference my friends out there my high school football coach who is the reason I have a gold jacket is reason I turned professionals really I'm still sitting or Thierry Henry all of these coaches I know I've got some people out here today in the audience peers on Tommy David turned my best friend my assistant for 20 years thank you all for being here some of your buddies back home I wouldn't be here and finally the fans I came up with a saying make a difference today for someone who is fighting for their tomorrow when I looked across this arena and when I talk to people I looked up here you don't need to be a Russell Wilson and then Rodgers to make the different sides there every single person in this room to be a difference maker using business a normal person go look this up every morning goes to work but you can be a difference maker putting a smile on those faces my Chin's my friends when they take me to see me not once today ever have a frown on her face so he's urged anybody out there if you have sent me out there suffering it doesn't have to be cancer it should be something you have any good days to be your mom your dad it should be your grandparents what you say too young too small that you have on your face that can be the difference and then Mason's the next day remember that always always persevere like Jimmy B said never ever give up and you might build fans back home I love you and everybody here tonight and to Jimmy B foundation thank you for honoring me and humbled me with this award I love you all god bless you may the good Lord continue your blessing thank you [Applause]

Channel: ESPN Throwback

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Rating: 4.9408722 out of 5

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Id: Ln07N8AV7UA

Length: 6min 9sec (369 seconds)

Published: Wed Jul 18 2018

Reddit Comments

[u/ThomFoolery_]

Such an inspirational guy, so so proud to have him as the face of our franchise, and so good to see him be so passionate about being a Buffalo Bill

[u/[deleted]]

I made it 3 seconds before I got misty. For someone to have such a positive outlook after suffering so much is just amazing.

[u/punjabimd80]

Such a great moment to watch. Hard to keep it together.

I think what really stands out to me is something that most people don’t know- head and neck cancer is immensely challenging. I’ve had many patients over the years and it’s tough to watch what they deal with. Disfigurement from surgery, horrendous nerve pain from radiation, swallowing problems, loss of function of some of the nerves, hearing loss and so on.

Many of these patients eventually become so debilitated that their quality of life is rock bottom.

The fact that Jim Kelly is dealing with all of this is, yet still making public appearances, is a true testament to his emotional and spiritual strength. His perseverance. He deserves this award.

[u/NotEvenClosest]

Greatest of all time. In my book, Jim Kelly goes down as the great one.

[u/cyndilu9]

Jim Kelly has been an inspiration from the start...and he just keeps finding new ways to impress us all. Never give up! God Bless him and his family.

[u/FriedChickenIsTrash]

Man, that was a beautiful fucking speech

Never saw him play since I'm only 23 but my mom had a framed picture of him in our hallway since I was like 5 and my brother's middle name is Kelly because of him

[u/I_am_a_beautiful_pea]

Thanks. Now I'm crying.

[u/Lightning_lad64]

I have no words. Godspeed Jim. All of your Bills family is with you

[u/redmustang04]

How's his treatment coming along? I have no idea if the doctors were able to get the cancer early or what his current check up is.