Jim Kelly to receive Jimmy V Award for battling cancer

BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly will receive ESPN's Jimmy V Award for the toughness and perseverance he's displayed during his ongoing battle with oral cancer.

ESPN officially announced the honor Monday, a few hours after Kelly first revealed the news while attending his charitable foundation's 32nd golf tournament outside of Buffalo. Kelly will be honored during the network's ESPY Awards on July 18.

The award is named for late North Carolina State men's basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, who gave an inspirational speech at the ESPYs in 1993 less than two months before he died of cancer. Valvano most notably led the Wolfpack on an improbable run to win the 1983 NCAA Tournament championship.