Hard Working Man Award 2004: Jim Kelly

On Thursday, November 18, 2004, Hanes Supply, Inc., held its second annual Sports Night Event at Fontana's Center in Western New York. The over three hundred people who attended, enjoyed dinner and a chance to socialize with well known Buffalo Bills of past decades. Booker Edgerson, Charlie Ferguson, Lou Piccone and Jeff Nixon represented the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association at this event. This Bills Crew was beaming with smiles and friendship for all who stepped up to say hello.

The Live, Silent and Chinese Auctions made the evening exciting while helping to raise money for charities. Some of the charities include Kelly for Kids, and Ilio DiPaolo's Scholarship Fund.

We chose Jim Kelly, the Buffalo Bills All-Pro Hall of Fame Quarterback, to be the recipient of the 2004 Hanes Supply, Inc., Kent Hull - Hard Working Man Award. This award was named in honor of its first recipient, Buffalo Bills All-Pro Center Kent Hull. After receiving the first award in 2003, Kent Hull promised that he would return to attend the 2004 Award Ceremony. Living up to that promise, Kent made his presence felt this Thursday night in Western New York. Kent was a big hit joking with the crowd and teasing the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Lou Piccone.

Bill Hanes, President of Hanes Supply, Inc., gave a touching and humorous speech about our honoree of the evening... Mr. Jim Kelly. A slide presentation with fun and classic Jim Kelly “Moments in History” images, was one of the highlights of the evening. Throughout his speech, Bill also informed the audience of his own “12” personal reasons why he believes that “Jim Kelly is the greatest NFL Quarterback of All Time!”

The Hanes Supply, Inc., Kent Hull - Hard Working Man Award is to be presented every year to a past or present Western New York Sports Player, who is known as an exceptional leader on and off the sports battlefield. Kent Hull certainly deserved to be the first recipient and have the award named in his honor. Kent suggested that his “Brother in Battle - Jim Kelly” receive the award in 2004. Bill, Ted and Dave couldn't help but agree, (KENT IS PRETTY BIG YOU KNOW).

Jim Kelly accepted the 2004 Hanes Supply, Inc., Kent Hull - Hard Working Man Award. He spoke about his great family, and his affection and gratitude for the great Buffalo Bills fans. Jim thanked the crowd for coming out on a work night to honor him and help raise money for some worthy charities.

After the award ceremony, Jim, Kent and the Buffalo Bills Alumni Crew took the time to shake some hands, pose for photos and sign some autographs. It can be said that a fine time was had by all who attended. Hanes Supply, Inc., is proud to have presented such an enjoyable and successful Sports Night, honoring two Buffalo Sports Heroes: Jim Kelly and Kent Hull.

Ted Hanes
Hanes Supply, Inc.

TOP 12 REASONS WHY JIM KELLY IS OUR FAVORITE NFL QUARTERBACK OF ALL TIME!

No. 12 The Toughest Period - After Jim's first NFL game against the Jets, Ralph Wilson commented, "With Kelly, you always feel like you've got a chance. He's exciting and boy is he tough!

No. 11 Jim has the second highest Quarterback Rating for a First Time Hall of Fame Selection Inductee. If the USFL numbers were included in Jim's NFL numbers, they would be off the charts!

No. 10 The Business - In Jim's first NFL game verses the Jets, Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons were penalized for giving Jim "THE BUSINESS". For the next eleven years Jim gave all the other NFL teams the business.

No. 9 For keeping Kent Hull's cheeks warm during all the cold games at Rich Stadium.

No. 8 Character - Jim has the Character of a champion. If you had to go into battle on the football field or in life, you would want Jim Kelly as your leader on your side.

No. 7 The Confidence - Jim's confidence allowed him and his teammates to excel on the field. After Jim's second NFL game he stated, "We will win, I'll tell you that Buffalo Bills Football is coming".

No. 6 For a Special Time in Buffalo Bills History - After the Tampa game in 1986, Jim stated "I'm not going to give up. I know we could come back, sometimes the breaks are going to go our way. Maybe God has something special planned for us". Something special was indeed planned, especially with Marv Levy coming on board as our new coach.

No. 5 Heart - Many players have all the potential and talent in the world. Your heart separates the good from the great, with the will to win. Jim's hero and son Hunter is a fighter. He is with us because of the unconditional and unending love of his mother, father, sisters and the entire Kelly family. He has the heart of a warrior and lion, like his father.

No. 4 Jim's Charity Work - Jim didn't pass, he took the ball and ran with it. The entire Kelly family has done so much for so many charitable organizations in Western New York and throughout the USA. Jim founded Kelly for Kids and Hunter's Hope which has made significant progress in curing Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies.

No. 3 Marvisms - Jim always paid special attention to coach Levy's thoughts and words. During one pre-game pep talk, Marv gave his thoughts on the Phoenacians. Jim thought it was a Micro Brewery in East Brady.

No. 2 For giving Marv Levy the best 77th birthday present possible, the honor of introducing Jim into the class of 2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim's acceptance speech was exceptional and from the depth of his heart.

No. 1 It's simple... #12 is our #1. Jim was and is simply the best.

Bill Hanes
Hanes Supply, Inc.