National Football League

Thousands rally to support Jim Kelly in his time of need

Published Mar. 25, 2014 11:17 a.m. ET

Sid Saraf

One thing is for sure, Jim Kelly is not alone.

The Hall of Fame Bills quarterback, who is battling with an aggressive recurrence of oral cancer, has drawn the support of thousands in Western New York and across the nation. Kelly is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday.

Social media has exploded, as a Twitter hashtag called (#PrayersforJK) and a Facebook page called "PrayforJimKelly" have sprung up and are attracting much attention. Here are some of the examples of support on Twitter:

I try to be funny on here and bring a smile to your face. But cancer is not funny and it's affecting one of Buffalo's best #PrayersForJK
— Nathaniel Hackett (@CrazyNateHacket) March 25, 2014

just changed my avi for good luck #PrayersForJK
— Bills Chick (@Bills_Chick) March 25, 2014

#PrayersForJK One of the toughest players on the field is proving he is one of the toughest off of it. #Respect
— BoltBlitz.com (@BoogaP) March 25, 2014

My childhood hero for how he handled adversity on the field. My adult hero for all he’s handled off it. #PrayersForJK pic.twitter.com/i393ZHjE1C
— Del Reid 1⃣2⃣ (@mrdeadlier) March 25, 2014

Kelly and his family have noticed.

"Just the overwhelming support and prayers we've been getting is unbelievable," Dan Kelly, one of Jim's brothers, told the Buffalo News. "Jim reads those messages on PrayforJimKelly, and it's encouraging to him and gives him strength."

"At the end of the day, the Kelly family is part of our church family, and so like anyone in our church family that's going through a difficult season, we want to join them in praying and lifting them up to the Lord for his help," Pastor Jerry Gillis said.

At the hospital...Gathered around JK to watch The Chapel this morning. Overwhelmed and humbled to… http://t.co/HyLgo2xUiy
— Jill Kelly (@HJKforever) March 23, 2014