American · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Born 14 February 1960American quarterback who led Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances and was inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002
James Edward Kelly was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1960. The Buffalo Bills selected him 14th overall in 1983. He led Buffalo to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1991 to 1994 — the only team in NFL history to achieve this feat. They lost all four. The no-huddle K-Gun offence he ran was the most creative tactical innovation in NFL offensive football of the early 1990s. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. He was diagnosed with maxillary sinus cancer in 2013 — requiring multiple surgeries and becoming an advocate for cancer awareness. His son Hunter Kelly was born with Krabbe disease and died aged 8. His family's response to these medical challenges has been widely praised.
Leading Bills to four straight Super Bowls, no-huddle offense, comeback victories
How They Played
Mobile pocket passer with strong arm, master of no-huddle hurry-up offense
Lasting Impact
One of greatest quarterbacks never to win Super Bowl, revolutionized fast-paced offense
Career Honours
- Super Bowl 4x (consecutive)
- Pro Bowl 5x
- Hall of Fame 2002
- AFC Champion 4x
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year 1996
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 1986–1996 | 160 |
| Houston Gamblers | 1984–1985 | 33 |
American Athletes