Book Jim Kelly through The Keynote Curators

Biography

Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. From growing up in East Brady, a small town in Pennsylvania, to facing a career threatening injury in his college days, to leading the Buffalo Bills team to an unprecedented four straight AFC championships, Jim’s toughness has been tested time and time again. After his retirement, not only did he lose his one and only son Hunter at the age of 8, to a disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy, Jim has also survived not one, but two battles with cancer. Jim speaks about the power of the four F’s – Faith, Friends, Family and Fans – and what is really means to be “Kelly Tough.” His story is a journey of perseverance.

  • Jim emphasizes the difficulty of overcoming obstacles in the realm of sports, but more importantly in life.
  • His passion and charisma allow him to interact with his audience as he recounts his story.
  • Conveys truth in his words, and leaves a lingering impression upon the hearts and minds of others.

Contact us for Jim Kelly fees and availability

Read More

Videos

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

A Journey of Perseverance

In his speech, Jim shares his inspiring life story. From his childhood years, to playing for the Buffalo Bills and losing four straight Super Bowls, to raising his son who fought a rare genetic disease and the grief that comes with losing a child, to battling cancer. Jim vulnerably shares his faith, how he overcame these obstacles, and what it means to be “Kelly Tough”. His story is a testimony of strength, perseverance, courage, teamwork, and leadership.

Jim emphasizes the difficulty of overcoming obstacles in the realm of sports, but more importantly in life.
His passion and charisma allow him to interact with his audience as he recounts his story.
He conveys truth, and leaves a lingering impression upon the hearts and minds of others.

Testimonials

Jim did an amazing job and many have said that he is the best we have had in the 16 year history of speakers. We so appreciate all that he did to lift the spirits of our patients and families on the inpatient unit and the inspiration he provided to everyone who attended the event.
– Caleb Hegna, Director of Development for Iowa Methodist & Methodist West
It is a privilege for NFI to be associated with someone whose professional success is only surpassed by his commitment to his children. I was deeply moved by your comments about Hunter during the induction ceremony.
– Roland Warren, President of National Fatherhood Initiative
You can do no better than Jim Kelly. I am so grateful to have worked with this outstanding man...I simply cannot say enough about the whole experience.
– Ann Marie Surovy, Public Relations & Development Coordinator for LifePath, Inc.
Your lecture last night was not only interesting, but inspirational! It had a great message behind it, especially for children and young adults. The audience was thrilled they had the opportunity to hear you speak, and had a lot of positive things to say after the event. I think one audience member hit it on the nose by saying, Jim Kelly was a great football player, but a better human being.
– Theodore Ryan, Programming Director Brockport Student Government
Request Availability

Booksby Jim Kelly

Kelly Tough

Kelly Tough

For Meeting Planners

Get in TouchContact US

Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.

A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
    A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

Related Resilience Speakers

Karen Allen Growth Mindset Thought Leader, Creator of Stop & Shift, Founder of 100% Human
Kim Becking Sustainable Resilience & Change Leadership Expert | Founder, Unstoppable Momentum™ | NYT Bestselling Author
Erin Stafford Burnout and Peak Performance Expert, Bestselling Author, Cambridge Social Psychologist
Joan Lunden Award-Winning Journalist, Former Cohost of ABC’s Good Morning America, Host of PBS’ Second Opinion, Health and Wellness Advocate, and Bestselling Author
Kaiser Yang CEO and Co-Founder of Platypus Labs, Hyper-Growth Leader, Globally-Recognized Innovation Expert

Blog Posts

Business Culture Is Built in Small Moments, with Chris Dyer

Business Culture Is Built in Small Moments, with Chris Dyer

Chris Dyer explains how everyday leadership moments shape business culture, trust, and whether employees choose to stay.

Read More
25th Anniversary of 9/11

25th Anniversary of 9/11

Twenty-five years is a strange distance. It’s long enough for 9/11 to start sounding like history to people who weren’t alive for it, and close enough that many of us can still say exactly where...

Read More
Why Remote Work Is Quietly Breaking Your Team’s Ability to Innovate

Why Remote Work Is Quietly Breaking Your Team’s Ability to Innovate

Shawn Kanungo explains why remote work quietly damages innovation, even when it boosts individual productivity. Here's the real cost.

Read More
Networking Redefined: Eat, Drink, and Succeed, with Laura Schwartz

Networking Redefined: Eat, Drink, and Succeed, with Laura Schwartz

Laura Schwartz reveals what real networking looks like: service, presence, and community over status and self-interest.

Read More
Toxic Workplace Culture Starts Quietly and Grows in Silence

Toxic Workplace Culture Starts Quietly and Grows in Silence

A toxic workplace rarely starts with cruelty. It starts with silence. Here's how leaders can spot it early and build real trust instead.

Read More
How to Design Events People Actually Remember with Carrie Davenport

How to Design Events People Actually Remember with Carrie Davenport

Carrie Davenport on why great events are built on human connection, not just agendas. Lessons for event planners, leaders, and teams.

Read More
Q4 Isn’t a Marketing Strategy Until Clarity Leads the Way

Q4 Isn’t a Marketing Strategy Until Clarity Leads the Way

Q4 isn't a marketing strategy. It's a test of clarity, judgment, and what your brand chooses to remember when the noise fades.

Read More
What Great Service Looks Like

What Great Service Looks Like

Kevin Boehm explains what real service looks like when plans break, from a rough restaurant table to a blackout mid-speech.

Read More

Our Services

Keynote Speakers Topics

© 2026 The Keynote Curators. All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
The Keynote Curators, 8275 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Local (310) 299-4595 | Toll Free (888) 585-8715 | info@thekeynotecurators.com

The Keynote Curators - Top Keynote Agency, USA.

IASB Member