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Buffalo Bills owner Kim Pegula was rumored to have passed away on social media after being hospitalized last month due to "unexpected health issues". That's not the case, however, and the team released a statement confirming that she's "progressing well and rehabilitating from a health issue."
"We are grateful for the medical professionals providing her care and to everyone for their prayers and well wishes," the Pegula family said in a statement. "We ask that you please continue to respect our need for privacy during this time."
The family did not provide any further details about Pegula's condition, but Spectrum News 1 BUFF reporter Rachel Hopmayer said the Bills owner was hospitalized in the ICU at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional.
"Per patient information representative, I can confirm that Kim Pegula is hospitalized in the ICU at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional."
Buffalo's starting quarterback Josh Allen spoke highly of Kim Pegula in a statement following the family's update:
"We're all praying for them, and we appreciate everyone in the community praying for them as well. [Kim's] done so much for our organization, and we all love her so much. Again, as a team we're saying our prayers, and we just ask that you guys do the same for us, please."
In a pre-training video conference, head coach Sean McDermott had this to say:
"All of our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and the family. They've done so much for me, my family, our team and the city of Buffalo. Let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them. Giving them the privacy they need is important.”
Kim Pegula made history with her ownership of the Bills and Sabres
Kim Pegula is a busy woman, doubling as president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment while also serving as the president and co-owner of the Bills and the Buffalo Sabres. She made history in 2014 as the first woman ever to become the team president of both an NFL and NHL franchise.
The family owns two NLL franchises in the Buffalo Bandits and the Rochester Nighthawks. They also own the Sabres' affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
Earlier this year, a new $1.4 billion stadium for the Bills in Orchard Park, New York was agreed upon. Buffalo Bills Stadium is set to open up in 2026.
Buffalo will enter the 2022 season as early favorites to win not just the AFC, but the Super Bowl itself.
It will be interesting to see if the Bills can live up to the hype when the season kicks off later this year.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN, Bils Wire and H/T Sportskeeda.
