Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly will not have surgery for cancer

Ex-Bills quarterback Jim Kelly had 237 passing TDs during his Hall of Fame career. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) Former Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame

Ex-Bills quarterback Jim Kelly had 237 passing TDs during his Hall of Fame career. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Former Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly will not have surgery for oral cancer but will instead proceed with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, his wife announced Wednesday.

Kelly was originally set to undergo surgery and then begin up to six weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

"At this point and time surgery is not the best option for Jim,"

Jill Kelly wrote on her Facebook page

. "The cancer is in areas that surgery cannot successfully eradicate."

"Jim Kelly's condition remains very treatable and potentially curable," said Dr. Peter D. Costantino, who is leading Kelly's treatment in New York City. "Our immediate focus is on controlling his pain and beginning the process of eradicating the cancer."

Kelly, 54, was diagnosed with cancer last June and had part of his jaw removed.

GALLERY: Classic SI photos of Jim Kelly