Jim Kelly Develops MRSA in Bones After Being Declared Cancer Free in September

Former Buffalo Bills and Miami Hurricanes star Jim Kelly revealed he's dealing with more health problems as he returned to his alma mater to serve as honorary captain this weekend.

The quarterback, who recently found out the cancer he fought for more than a year was no longer present, told Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald he's now battling MRSA. The infection developed in his bones and requires eight weeks of treatment.

"I came down with MRSA," he said. "I was cleared in September of the cancer—I have another MRI in two weeks. The toughest part for me was I was almost ready to take out my feeding tube, I was feeling good and they said they need to do some biopsies. Those 12 biopsies put me back so far."

Kelly explained he was starting make noticeable progress before the pain returned. That's when the infection was discovered. He also had to undergo surgery to shave down the bone, which will help heal the area of the biopsies.

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The latest issue means the 54-year-old Pennsylvania native had to bring medical equipment to Florida to continue treatment, which includes three antibiotic injections daily. He's had to miss other planned events, but he wasn't going to miss returning to Miami.

"But I wouldn't miss going to the 'U' for anything," he said. "I'm excited, especially because it's my alma mater and I look forward to seeing a bunch of buddies I haven't seen in a while."

The Miami Herald report notes the Hurricanes program declared "Kelly Tough," the phrase used to support the quarterback throughout his health battle, the theme for its game against North Carolina.

His longtime NFL team passed along a picture of him serving as captain:

The Hurricanes showcased a banner hanging on the stadium wall:

Kelly is set for another MRI later in the month to update his status. He also continues to use the feeding tube with his jaw unable to open wide enough to eat after the biopsies.

Despite the latest setback, he told the Miami Herald he's still got his sights firmly set on the future.

"One of the things on my bucket list is walking my daughters Erin (19) and Camryn (15) down the aisle and being a granddaddy," he said. "They're young, but I plan on being around for a while."

At this point, it's impossible to bet against Kelly given how much he's overcome already.