NFL’s Jim Kelly Says Newborn Grandson Suffered 'Unexpected’ Complications

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s newborn grandson is recovering from surgery after the former Buffalo Bills quarterback says he was born with “unexpected medical complications.”

“Little Bean’s procedure is complete — and everything went well,” wrote Kelly, 65, via Instagram on Wednesday, July 16. “THANK GOD! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s hand in every detail today… for highly skilled and compassionate doctors and nurses… and for every single prayer that’s been lifted on our behalf.”

Kelly’s update came three days after he first revealed that his daughter Erin and son-in-law Parker welcomed their first baby.

“While this is a time of deep joy for the family, it has also come with unexpected medical complications,” he and his wife Jill wrote in a statement via Instagram on Sunday, July 13. “Out of respect for Erin and Parker’s privacy and the sensitivity of the situation, no additional details will be shared at this time.”

Kelly updated followers in a post on Tuesday, saying that the newborn was scheduled to undergo surgery the following morning. He added that Erin and Parker prefer not to share their son’s name at this point, but wanted to announce his arrival “to the world.” He referred to the baby as “our miracle Bean.”

“Lastly, I know we’re not the only ones going through a heart wrenching situation right now,” he wrote in the caption, referring to the newborn’s unspecified health complications. “Life and what we hope it to be can drastically change in an instant and we just want you to know that we’re sharing this because we want to remind you too, that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”

By Wednesday afternoon, he was ready to announce that the surgery was a success, while also asking for continued prayers for the new parents as they navigate a difficult time and newfound parenthood.

“We’ve felt your support and prayers through some of the darkest days of our lives — and we’ll never be able to thank you enough,” he wrote. “Your kindness towards our family and your prayers have reminded us that we’re not alone.”

The ordeal comes 20 years after Kelly’s son, Hunter, died at age 8 of Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disorder. He and Jill launched the foundation Hunter’s Hope in his memory, with the goal of developing treatments for the disease and raising awareness.

Kelly first announced that Erin was pregnant in April, sharing a carousel of photos via Instagram that featured Erin with her parents, husband and sister Camryn.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this excited,” he wrote in the caption. “I am so proud of and happy for my daughter Erin and her husband Parker. And I can’t wait to be able to teach my grandson how to throw a football.”