Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly had urged the team's fans to help keep the franchise in Buffalo amidst uncertainty over its future.

The death of former Bills owner Ralph Wilson in March plunged the team's future into doubt as the possibility of relocating under a new buyer was mooted.

However, Kelly, who is currently battling with a second bout of cancer in the space of a year, has called upon fans to join him in fighting against any move, citing a family motto of "staying Kelly tough".

"[Kelly tough] means standing up and giving it your all no matter what comes your way, and sticking to your guns when it comes to what you believe in," Kelly said in a statement.

"For me, it means staying tough to beat cancer. And I want everyone in Buffalo to join me in being Kelly tough to keep the Bills right where they belong - Here in western New York."

Kelly enjoyed 11 seasons with the Bills, guiding the team to four straight Super Bowls and becoming the only player in the franchise's history to have his number retired.