Jim Kelly to be Grand Marshal for 2014 Miami Alumni Weekend, homecoming festivities
Former University of Miami quarterback Jim Kelly will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2014 Alumni Weekend and homecoming festivities later this month, the school announced Wednesday.
In conjunction with his successful battle against cancer, the Nov. 1 Homecoming game against North Carolina will be a "#KellyTough Green Out" in which fans are encouraged to wear green in support. Kelly will also be the honorary captain.
"The University of Miami was and remains an important part of my life," Kelly said in a statement. "My family and I are honored and we look forward to being Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade and Honorary Captain for the Homecoming game."
Kelly was a four-year letterman from 1979-82 and considered the original member of Miami's "Quarterback U." In 1981, he led the program to its first bowl in 14 years and earned MVP honors for the victory over Virginia Tech. Earlier that season, the Hurricanes upset top-ranked Penn State. He was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UM Football Ring of Honor in 2008.
After two seasons with Houston of the USFL, Kelly joined the Buffalo Bills (1986-96) and led them to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990-93. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and holds several franchise records. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and his No. 12 jersey was retired by Buffalo in 2001.
Kelly's family -- his wife Jill and their daughters Erin and Camryn -- will also take part during Homecoming weekend.
"We are thrilled and honored to welcome Jim, Jill, Erin and Camryn back to Miami, and we are so grateful that they can join us for Homecoming weekend," Athletics Director Blake James said in a statement. "Jim represents everything that we strive to achieve at UM: excellence, character, compassion and strength. His remarkable life's journey is an inspiration for all of us."
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