04/25/24
August 05, 2005
Jim Kelly's son passes on.: The end to a very touching journey.
Jim Kelly was an awesome player and what seemed to me as an even greater father. My prayers also go out to him and his family. His fight was very inspirational.
posted by melcarek69 at 01:35 PM on August 05, 2005
Wow this is such a sad story , I can still remember Jim's HOF speach when he broke down talking about Hunter and dedicating it to his hero , his son . In this day and age where atheletes rarely even see their children not to mention live with them , it's great to have a stand up MAN that's filled with Class . Best to you Jim and Jill . And the name Hunter will live on with your foundation . http://www.huntershope.org/
posted by evil empire at 02:20 PM on August 05, 2005
As a U of F alumnus and a lifelong Dolphns fan, I've always hated Jim Kelly on the football field, but I have always held him in the highest regard as a father, husband, and exemplary human being. He knew the game inside and out, and where it belonged in life, and that's more than most of his contemporaries can ever say. Godspeed, Hunter.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:42 PM on August 05, 2005
It is a very sad story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly family.
posted by dbt302 at 02:45 PM on August 05, 2005
R.I.P., little man.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 02:54 PM on August 05, 2005
I'm not about to forget that HoF speech either. A sad day for the Kellys, hopefully bouyed a bit knowing that there are those thinking of them, and wishing them the best at this hard time. Good luck, Hunter.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:37 PM on August 05, 2005
to the kelly family ; my condolences to you all. at times like these we are all on the same team. god bless from a 9er fan
posted by skeeter at 12:23 AM on August 06, 2005
I was just starting a family when Hunter's birth prompted coverage of his disease. I don't know how the Kellys exhibited so much strength over the eight years of his life, but you have to think that he lived so many years beyond expectations because of their love. The fact that he could communicate on a rudimentary level with his parents was a surprise -- I thought I remembered reading years ago that it wouldn't be possible. Jim Kelly's comments to his son at his Hall of Fame induction are among the most memorable of all time.
posted by rcade at 06:15 AM on August 06, 2005
Here is Jim's HOF speech dedicated to his son .... Then there is my only son, Hunter, born on Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, my birthday. The son I've always wanted. I've dreamt what every father dreams about, playing catch in the backyard, going fishing, camping, everything that fathers and sons do. But within four months my son was diagnosed with a fatal disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. They told us to take him home, and make him comfortable. And from that day, my wife and I decided to fight this disease. And so, we made it our lifelong commitment to make sure that kids all over the world don't suffer like my son does. Since the day I was selected, I prayed to God that my son would be here with me today. God has granted me that blessing. It has been written throughout my career that toughness is my trademark. Well, the toughest person I've ever met in my life is my hero, my soldier, my son, Hunter. I love you, buddy.
posted by evil empire at 03:28 PM on August 06, 2005
Some extra linkage: The Buffalo News article and the Official Bills statement (tip o' the hat to Jaq). Godspeed, Hunter buddy.
posted by Ufez Jones at 07:26 PM on August 06, 2005
I was at Kelly's first game he played with the Bills, and many, many after that. He was a great player, but the things I'll most admire about him is how he left the game without having to be forced out (and then resisted the temptation to try coming back with other teams who wanted him (Steelers)), and how great he was with his son and raising awareness about the disease. Don't forget, though, how strong his wife, Jill, was throughout the past 8-plus years. Western New York is proud of Jim Kelly and his family.
posted by dyams at 08:36 PM on August 06, 2005
I cried and my eyes are still not dry
posted by azdano at 01:32 AM on August 07, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly's. Their family did so much to give Hunter as good of life as possible. His legacy will be around for a long time!