Kelly’s cancer returns

The Bills are rallying around Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, confirming Thursday his oral cancer has returned.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Jim Kelly and his impending battle with cancer,” the team said in a statement. “Jim is a tough and courageous man, and we know he will fight this battle with strength and determination. The Buffalo Bills will support the Kelly family during this trying time and we ask our fans to pray for the family as Jim begins the treatment process and the road to recovery.”

Kelly, 58, was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in June 2013. Following a procedure, it was announced he was cancerfree. During a follow- up less than a year later, it was confirmed the cancer had returned. He was declared cancer-free again in summer 2014.

“As our family has faced many trials and triumphs throughout the years, you have blessed us with your prayers. We are asking for those prayers once again,” Kelly said in his own statement Thursday. “The oral cancer we hoped would be gone forever has returned. Although I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive this news, I know that God is with me. I continuously talk about the four F’s. Faith, Family, Friends and Fans. With all of you by my side, we will fight and win this battle together. Staying ‘Kelly Tough’ and trusting God, will carry us through the difficult time.”

Kelly’s wife, Jill, posted a note on her Instagram account accompanied with a picture of her with her arm around her husband.

“We are shocked, heartbroken, sad, angry, confused and just darn tired,” Jill Kelly wrote. “Yet despite how we feel, we KNOW that God is a promise maker and keeper. ... The more life and heartbreak I experience, the more I realize that this is not the end of the story.”