NFL Star Says His Entire Career Was A Test From God
Jim Kelly, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, recently opened up about how the death of his son in 2005 led to a period of personal turmoil, including infidelity and a crisis of faith. In an interview on the “Grace Begins” podcast with Cathy Cardenas, Kelly, now 65, shared how his life was transformed after experiencing these challenges.
Growing up in a Roman Catholic family, Kelly was raised with a strong religious foundation, attending church regularly and serving as an altar boy. He believed that God had control over his life, particularly during his successful NFL career. However, after getting married and having children, Kelly’s faith began to waver when his son, Hunter, faced severe health issues that ultimately led to his death at the age of eight. The constant presence of medical professionals in their home and the strain on his relationship with his wife pushed Kelly to question his beliefs and make poor decisions, including infidelity.
Kelly revealed that his grief and disillusionment led him to make harsh statements about Christianity, even telling his wife that he didn’t want to be a Christian if it meant living like her. While Kelly struggled with the Christian faith, his wife approached him with patience and understanding, allowing him to eventually rediscover his faith. A pivotal moment came when his mother-in-law intervened, warning him that he would lose everything unless he made a change. This wake-up call prompted Kelly to reevaluate his life and make a commitment to change, admitting his wrongdoings and working to rebuild his relationships with his wife and children.
Kelly’s journey toward repentance included acknowledging his mistakes and realizing that his struggles, including four battles with cancer, were tests of his faith. Despite a grim prognosis, he survived cancer, attributing his recovery to God’s intervention. In 2023, Kelly took a significant step in his faith by being baptized, reflecting on how his priorities had shifted over time. While he acknowledges that he’s still the same person, his faith has reshaped his life, and he expresses daily gratitude for his survival and the life he now leads.