In a powerful display of his unwavering faith, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly made headlines this summer as he took a bold step, getting baptized.
This significant moment was shared with the world through a video and photos posted on Instagram by Jim’s wife, Jill. The imagery captured Kelly in a red shirt bearing the words, “God’s real.” In a poignant exchange during the baptism, he was asked a simple yet profound question while immersed in the water, “Do you love Jesus?” To which he emphatically responded, “Yes I do!”
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Jill, in the caption of her post, expressed her deep belief, saying, “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. He is immeasurably MORE than we can imagine! He is EVERYTHING!”
Jim Kelly’s fame primarily stems from his remarkable career as a quarterback, during which he led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993, though they narrowly missed clinching the title each time. In recognition of his illustrious football career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
However, Kelly’s life journey has been marked by both triumphs and trials. In 1997, just a year after retiring from the NFL, he faced the heartbreaking diagnosis of his infant son, Hunter, with Krabbe disease, ultimately leading to Hunter’s passing in 2005. In response, Kelly founded the Hunter’s Hope Foundation and dedicated his Hall of Fame induction speech to his beloved son.
The challenges did not stop there. In 2013, Kelly courageously disclosed his battle with squamous cell carcinoma. Over the next few years, he underwent numerous hospitalizations. However, his tenacity prevailed, and he was declared cancer-free for three years. Even when cancer returned in March 2018, Jim Kelly’s spirit remained unbroken. Four months after undergoing surgery, he once again emerged victorious against cancer, proving his resilience and inspiring countless others.
Jim Kelly’s recent baptism serves as a testament to his enduring faith and his determination to share the message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ with the world. As he continues his life’s journey, he remains an iconic figure, both on and off the football field, leaving an indelible mark through his unwavering devotion to his faith and his unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Charisma Staff