Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly Baptized: ‘God Changed My Life’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly was baptized over the summer, making public his decision to follow Jesus.
Kelly’s wife, Jill, shared the special moment on Instagram.
She wrote, “Jim’s t-shirt says, ‘God’s Real.’ He is! I have witnessed God at work in this man’s life for over 30 years…and I can tell you that God isn’t just REAL, He is faithful, trustworthy, kind, loving, compassionate, powerful, gracious, GOOD, merciful, forgiving…and so so much MORE. He is immeasurably MORE than we can imagine! He is EVERYTHING!”
Jill then shared Galatians 3:26-27, Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 22:16.
Kelly’s faith has helped him face several trials throughout his life.
One year after he retired from the NFL in 1996, Kelly’s son, Hunter, was diagnosed with Krabbe disease and later passed away in 2005.
“After Hunter went to heaven I was so lost and angry at God. But God loved me anyway and he never gave up on me,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
“I’m far from perfect but God helped me humble myself and seek him for help,” he continued. “Becoming a Christian is the best decision I’ve made in my life. I wish I would’ve come to him sooner. But his timing is perfect.”
“All I know is that God changed my life,” Kelly added.
Eight years after his son’s death, Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and fought for his life for the next five years.
In 2021, Kelly told Sports Spectrum, “It didn’t take me very long to realize that God had a plan for me and that was to be able to share what I’ve been through to others that may be looking to give up, to not persevere through the tough times.”
“I’ve been tested over and over and over again, and I’m still being tested. But you just have to keep the faith. Keep that positive attitude,” Kelly added.
He now leads a men’s fellowship group.
“It’s an opportunity for Kelly, now 63, to share about the struggles in his life and how God has granted him the grace to persevere through it all with a smile on his face. Kelly’s positive outlook also comes from his regular quiet time in the morning, studying and learning God’s Word, and focusing on the good things in life,” Sports Spectrum said.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
