Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly has shared how God transformed his life. 

Appearing on the Grace Begins podcast, the former Buffalo Bills quarterback, now 65, shared how growing up in a devout Catholic family initially shaped his view of faith.

"I knew that each and every day that I stepped on the football field or basketball court or stepped out of my house that God … had control," he said.

Despite this early grounding, Kelly admitted that faith felt "forced" on him during his NFL career.

The turning point came through personal tragedy: his son Hunter’s death in 2005 at the age of 8.

Kelly recalled how constant medical attention at home strained his marriage, saying: "Me and my wife,we pretty much lost interest in each other even though Hunter was the only reason that we were still married."

In the aftermath, he confessed to infidelity and a deep spiritual struggle.

"I said to my wife, 'If being a Christian is being like you, I don't want to be one,'" he admitted. However, his wife’s patience helped gradually lead him back to faith.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of his life, Kelly said, "Every part of my journey, I was being tested," adding, "God was saying, 'OK, you're giving to give up on me? Let me see what you've got.'"

Kelly also opened up about his battle with cancer, surviving four bouts against overwhelming odds.

"When I went through all that and I knew what God was doing in my life, I now know why He put me through all that, to test my faith and if I'm ever going to give up on Him," he said.

Grateful for his survival, he added: "He's the reason - not only that I'm still here - but my wife, my daughters and the life I live now, I thank God every day for it."

In 2023, Kelly marked a new chapter in his faith journey with baptism, saying: "I'm still the same guy as I was before. It's just my priorities have changed."