Kelly was the third quarterback taken in the 1983 NFL Draft, which featured six quarterbacks taken in the first round where John Elway was the first pick. Employing the "K-Gun" offense, known for its no-huddle shotgun formations, Kelly led one of the great NFL scoring juggernauts in the Buffalo Bills. Kelly led the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls, from 1991 to 1994; however, each time the team lost. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002 in his first year of eligibility. Kelly's jersey number, 12, is the only number ever retired in Buffalo Bills' history. In 2009, Kelly was elected to the Buffalo Bills' 50th Season All-Time Team.

This July 21, 1986 issue of Sports Illustrated has been signed in blue by Kelly and includes a Great Moments COA.