Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly announced Monday he will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2018 ESPY Awards.

Kelly, 58, has been fighting cancer after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his jaw in 2013.

“God willing I’ll be there,” Kelly said, according to ESPN’s Mike Rodak.

The Jimmy V Award is presented annually to the individual who has overcome obstacles through perseverance and determination. Past recipients include former ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, former NFL player Devon Still and his daughter Leah, Craig Sager and in 2017 by 15-year-old New Orleans Saints fan Jarrius Robertson.

Kelly, a Hall of Fame quarterback and former first round Draft pick out of Miami, will receive the award when the 2018 ESPYs are held on July 18 at 8 p.m.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream’s new players (from left) Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner pose for photographers during a press conference to introduce the team's newest members, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

State Rep. Kimberly New, R-Villa Rica, stands in the House of Representatives during Crossover Day at the Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC