Jim Kelly is Cancer Free

I know that this is a Patriots blog, but as Patriots fans - at least those of us who were around when the team was godawful - we all got to know Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly fairly well over the years. Plus, wonderful news should never know any boundaries, especially boundaries as trite as team allegiance.

As of today, Jim Kelly's latest biopsies were negative, and he is now cancer free. What a fantastic way to kick of the NFL season.

Jim Kelly was always one of those quarterbacks it was impossible not to like, even when he was absolutely lighting up the Patriots twice a year. Class act. Hometown hero. Pillar of the community. Ambassador of goodwill and all-around Badass. And even after he retired, he remained in Buffalo and stayed very close to both the Bills and the city, and the amount of good he has done since he retired simply can't be listed all in one place. We were all rooting for him as he battled cancer, and anyone who watched the man play shouldn't be surprised that he beat the crap out of it yet again. The man just breathes toughness, day in and day out, and I for one couldn't be happier to hear that he once again took cancer out.

Kelly released the following statement after receiving the news:

This is some of the greatest news I've ever gotten. It's been a long road, and I'm still not back to 100 percent, but I have a lot to be thankful for. I am so thankful for the support and prayers of my family, my friends near and far, and everyone in Western New York and throughout the country through my illness. I also want to thank the medical specialists who have done such amazing work. Most of all, I want to thank God. Without my faith and God's constant presence, there would be no such thing as 'Kelly Tough.'

Congrats, Jim. And thanks.