NFL quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Jim Kelly has become a grandfather. In early July, his daughter Erin and her husband Parker Bean welcomed a son after a challenging start, with the newborn spending 38 days in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, New York. The baby, previously called “Little Bean” by the family, was named Beau Hunter Bean.
The name Hunter is significant for the Kelly family. It was also the name of Jim and Jill Kelly’s only son, who died at age eight from Krabbe leukodystrophy, an inherited nervous system disease. Hunter was born on Kelly’s birthday in February 1997. Jill wrote in her book “Without a Word” that Jim had chosen the name because of his love of hunting.
Hunter’s illness led to the creation of Hunter’s Hope, a nonprofit founded by the family to honor their son and support research into similar diseases.
On August 5, known to the family as “Hunter’s Heaven Day,” Beau was able to stop using oxygen support after a month. In a statement posted on Instagram, Jim and Jill Kelly wrote: “The timing is not a coincidence. It’s a reminder that God knows. He is working. And He’s always on time.” They also thanked supporters for prayers during Beau’s hospitalization: “We cannot thank you enough for praying for Beau and our family. His heart still has a lot of healing ahead, so prayer doesn’t stop here (…) We can’t wait to share more of his incredible life with you.”
Kelly reflected on looking forward to being part of his grandson’s life: “I can’t wait to be able to teach my grandson how to throw a football,” he wrote alongside photos from Erin’s baby shower held in April.
The Kelly family expressed their gratitude for community support and hope for continued progress as they watch Beau grow up.
