Hall of Famer QB Jim Kelly Gets Baptized: ‘God Changed My Life’
Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly recently shared how God has changed his life after his recent public declaration of faith during a baptism over the summer. The 63-year-old, who led the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s, took to Instagram to share a video of his baptism in a swimming pool.
Kelly wrote in his post, “I’m not a man of many words, and I don’t speak ‘Christianese.’ All I know is that God changed my life. After Hunter [my son] went to heaven, I was so lost and angry at God. But God loved me anyway, and he never gave up on me.” In 2005, Kelly’s 8 year-old-son, Hunter, died from a rare genetic condition called Krabbe disease. Before his passing, Kelly paid tribute to his son during his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
Kelly has also endured battles with a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma in his upper jaw. After undergoing a surgical procedure for his cancer, the illness returned to his body in 2018, requiring more surgery. In his Instagram post, Kelly emphasized, “God helped me humble myself and seek Him for help. 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.”
Kelly continued, “Finally, I was baptized. I have so many people to thank, especially those who have prayed for me for so long. THANK YOU.” In his post, Kelly thanked his friends and his men’s fellowship group for helping him to “be a better man.” He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Jill, for never abandoning him and encouraging him in his faith and thanked his two daughters for helping him be a better dad. “Thank you, Hunter. It’s because of you that I know Jesus, and I will see you again,” Kelly said.
Jill Kelly also posted a video and graphics of her husband’s baptism. She wrote on Instagram, “The very best of Summer 2023. 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.”
In another Instagram post, Jill Kelly discussed her thoughts on the meaning of baptism and what it means to have had her husband partake in the declaration of faith. She wrote, “For those wondering, here’s what I know and understand about baptism: it’s biblical. Jesus is our example. He was dedicated to the Lord as a baby and baptized as an adult before starting His earthly ministry. It’s an act of obedience,” she added, referring to Matthew 28:19-20.
Before baptizing Jim Kelly, his pastor spoke optimistically about Kelly’s spiritual journey. The pastor said, “It’s been “15 years of Bible study and prayer and growth. We’re proud of you, how far you’ve come, and where you’re going, it’s even better.”
