Jim Kelly

WASHINGTON — Hall of Fame quarterback and East Brady native Jim Kelly will be one of 18 people to receive the Jefferson Award during a luncheon today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The award, often referred to as a “Nobel Prize” for public service, was co-founded 40 years ago by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Kelly and his wife, Jill, created a foundation in honor of their son, Hunter, who was diagnosed with Krabbe disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system. Hunter died in 2005 at age 8.

“During the years I played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills, community service and reaching out to others was such an important part of my role with the team,” Kelly said in a statement distributed for the Jefferson Awards. “Not only did I feel that I had a responsibility to give back to a community that I was fortunate enough to be a part of, but I also knew that I had an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Although my playing days are over, my platform has greatly expanded and my commitment to community is stronger than ever. I feel privileged to be able to do the work I am doing. I would never have been able to do it without a team effort, whether it was football, family or charity. I am very blessed.”

After starring on the gridiron at East Brady High School in the late 1970s, Kelly played at the University of Miami and was drafted No. 14 overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1983 NFL Draft.

After taking his talents to the USFL's Houston Gamblers, Kelly arrived in Buffalo in 1986. His 11 seasons with the Bills yielded over 35,000 passing yards, 237 touchdown passes and four Super Bowl appearances.

He retired following the 1996 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kelly, 52, and his wife live in East Aurora, N.Y., with daughters Erin and Camryn.

Others receiving the Jefferson Award today include former NHL star Pat LaFontaine, jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, singer-actor Harry Connick Jr. and current CIA director David Petraeus.

Today's event will conclude with an evening celebration at Constitution Hall.

From staff reports