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The story has been reported across every major sporting news outlet on the net, however I am happy to report that I originally read this story this morning, when I opened up Rochester's Democrat & Chronicle newspaper.
The longterm future of the Buffalo Bills is a huge worry for the Western New York area. Owner Ralph C. Wilson is 89-years old and has made no secret that he will not sell the franchise or leave it to his family within his estate. This has the city of Buffalo worried about the possibility of the team being sold to a group that would relocate the franchise.
Former Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly spoke to the Democrat & Chronicle while in Rochester earlier this week. "As long as I'm involved, I can't see them going anywhere else," Kelly said. "One way or another, I will make sure this team stays here. I know people that are ready to step up. I think Mr. Wilson has the same vision I have, and that's to keep the team in western New York."
Hinting at a possible succession plan, Kelly's comments are a bit of good news to Bills fans all across the New York. There are not very many people left in the Upstate and Western New York area with the money to purchase the franchise but Jim Kelly does have the potential and the power in heading up a group that could secure a future deal and keep the Bills where the have been since they came into the league. Not too long ago the Buffalo Sabres fell into the same risk of being bought by outside investors and relocated, until millionaire Paychex founder Tom Golisano bought the team and gave it new life.
Forbes magazine recently valued the Bills franchise at more than $700 million. The Bills are the heart and soul of the city of Buffalo however the population continues to drop and the combination of overwhelming taxes and poor job market have caused the city much financial hardship. The team needs a new stadium in the near future, another major problem for the team with taxpayers not willing to even field ideas about how to pay for one. Currently the Bills are in the process of getting approval from the NFL about playing at least 1 game each season inside The Rogers Centre. Wilson believes that doing so would help grow the fan base located just north of the border. The request to play games in Canada has some speculating the possibility of the team eventually being relocated to Toronto.
As for Kelly, only time will tell how serious his comments are. Realistically, Ralph C. Wilson could pass away within the next couple of years and when that time comes, we will find out if Kelly is ready to put his money where his mouth is. "I wish I could tell you more," he said. "Unfortunately, I can't say much. I'm just going to say that I'm not worried about the Bills leaving and I live here." -AE
The longterm future of the Buffalo Bills is a huge worry for the Western New York area. Owner Ralph C. Wilson is 89-years old and has made no secret that he will not sell the franchise or leave it to his family within his estate. This has the city of Buffalo worried about the possibility of the team being sold to a group that would relocate the franchise.
Former Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly spoke to the Democrat & Chronicle while in Rochester earlier this week. "As long as I'm involved, I can't see them going anywhere else," Kelly said. "One way or another, I will make sure this team stays here. I know people that are ready to step up. I think Mr. Wilson has the same vision I have, and that's to keep the team in western New York."
Hinting at a possible succession plan, Kelly's comments are a bit of good news to Bills fans all across the New York. There are not very many people left in the Upstate and Western New York area with the money to purchase the franchise but Jim Kelly does have the potential and the power in heading up a group that could secure a future deal and keep the Bills where the have been since they came into the league. Not too long ago the Buffalo Sabres fell into the same risk of being bought by outside investors and relocated, until millionaire Paychex founder Tom Golisano bought the team and gave it new life.
Forbes magazine recently valued the Bills franchise at more than $700 million. The Bills are the heart and soul of the city of Buffalo however the population continues to drop and the combination of overwhelming taxes and poor job market have caused the city much financial hardship. The team needs a new stadium in the near future, another major problem for the team with taxpayers not willing to even field ideas about how to pay for one. Currently the Bills are in the process of getting approval from the NFL about playing at least 1 game each season inside The Rogers Centre. Wilson believes that doing so would help grow the fan base located just north of the border. The request to play games in Canada has some speculating the possibility of the team eventually being relocated to Toronto.
As for Kelly, only time will tell how serious his comments are. Realistically, Ralph C. Wilson could pass away within the next couple of years and when that time comes, we will find out if Kelly is ready to put his money where his mouth is. "I wish I could tell you more," he said. "Unfortunately, I can't say much. I'm just going to say that I'm not worried about the Bills leaving and I live here." -AE