Jim Kelly Biography

James Edward Kelly, born on February 14, 1960, played 11 seasons in the NFL as a professional quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. He also competed for two seasons with the Houston Gamblers in the United States Football League. Kelly played college football at the University of Miami, earning offensive MVP honors in the 1981 Peach Bowl. Selected 14th overall in the 1983 NFL draft, he was one of six quarterbacks chosen in the first round. He earned first-team All-Pro recognition in 1991 and was named to five Pro Bowls during his career. At East Brady High School, he passed for 3,915 yards, 44 touchdowns, and just one interception. Although Miami Hurricanes coach Lou Saban promised him a quarterback role, Saban departed before the 1979 season began.