New Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula became emotional in his formal introduction as co-owner of the Buffalo Bills Friday afternoon.
Pegula and his wife Kim took ownership of the team this week after NFL owners unanimously approved his $1.4 billion purchase of the team on Wednesday.
"My name is Terry Pegula and the Pegula's just bought a football team," said Pegula at the start of his remarks. That brought applause from the audience. "Actually that's not totally correct," said Pegula. Then he could not hold back his emotions and cried out "I knew this was going to happen," as Pegula welted up with tears of joy.
"My name is Terry Pegula and the Pegula's just bought a football team," said Pegula at the start of his remarks. That brought applause from the audience.
"Actually that's not totally correct," said Pegula. Then he could not hold back his emotions and cried out "I knew this was going to happen," as Pegula welted up with tears of joy. "We all just bought a team -- our team -- the Buffalo Bills."
An emotional Pegula was brought to tears during a 50 minute news conference with reporters from around the Western New York region.
"I am humble by following the fonder and sole owner, until this week, Ralph Wilson," said Pegula. "I never met Ralph, but he and I are connected through the city of Detroit." Pegula sobbed as he spoke of Wilson.
Pegula took many questions from reporters. "I love football, I always have," stated Pegula.
Now as the new owner Pegula could not avoid the question of the future of Ralph Wilson Stadium. He was asked if the team will continue its future at the stadium in Orchard Park.
"I hope I don't have to spend the next eight years of my life answering stadium questions," said Pegula. "We will gradually proceed to plan and design a stadium for the Buffalo Bills. You know, these things take time."
"I hope I don't have to spend the next eight years of my life answering stadium questions," said Pegula. "We will gradually proceed to plan and design a stadium for the Buffalo Bills. You know, these things take time."
Pegula did note that he realizes it is a significant issue.
Pegula also noted that he will probably "lose it" at this Sunday's Buffalo Bills game.
