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Jim Kelly encouraged Buffalo Bills players and fans to keep their heads up amid a rough patch.
The Bills have dropped to 5-5 after losing three of their last four games, including a gutting last-second defeat by the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Josh Allen coughed up three of the team’s four turnovers.
During the week, Kelly posted a picture of him and Allen on Instagram with a lengthy message of support.
Kelly was given less than a 10 percent chance of beating Stage 4 oral cancer, but he’s now cancer-free following multiple surgeries. The former Bills legend knows a lot about battling adversity on and off the field.
“To Josh, the team, and anyone else struggling in life.
I get it! In football and in life it’s hard when things don’t go as you hope they would,” Kelly wrote. “I’ve been thrown so much in life that sometimes I’m surprised I’m still alive. It’s hard. It really sucks!”
Allen now leads the NFL with 11 interceptions, and his play style has faced extra scrutiny all week following a disappointing primetime showing. But Kelly praised the 27-year-old and urged him to grow from this slump.
“Josh, you’re one hell of an athlete, football player and leader. Even better than I was,” Kelly declared. “You’ve got a ton of talent and you will succeed. This setback will fuel your ability to fight harder and lead with even more determination and passion. And you’re not alone! You’ve got an entire community pulling for you.”
Kelly credited his loved ones and a positive mindset for overcoming his health obstacles. He said family and friends “were there for me and had my back every time.”
He likened Bills Mafia to family and implored them to keep their faith in the team.
“We need each other to get through and persevere,” Kelly said. “When we are down is not the time to give up, it’s the time to stand up for each other, help each other. That’s what the Buffalo community and Bills Mafia does. We will get through this – TOGETHER. It’s the only way.”
The Bills will look to rebound when hosting the New York Jets this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.