Watch Jim Kelly's Emotional ESPY Awards Speech

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly gave an emotional speech while accepting the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance during the ESPYS in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Kelly thanked his family and his late son Hunter who died at eight years old to Krabbie Disease. He said Hunter taught him to never give up.

The 58-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in his jaw in 2013 and it spread to his nasal cavities. After surgery and additional treatments he was declared cancer free in 2016. In February he announced that his oral cancer returned.

The Jimmy V Perseverance Award was named after the late college basketball coach, Jimmy Valvano, who passed away from cancer in 1993. The award is given to a "deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through physical perseverance and determination." Previous recipients include Jarrius Robertson, Craig Sager and Devon and Leah Still.


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