Buffalo Bills co-owner Kim Pegula makes first public appearance in 14 months after suffering cardiac arrest during team practice
- Bills co-owner went into cardiac arrest in June and is recovering
- Her daughter, Jessica, is the world’s third-ranked women’s tennis player
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Buffalo Bills co-owner Kim Pegula appeared on Sunday for the first time in 14 months — since she went into cardiac arrest — watching training camp practices from the front seat of the family’s SUV.
And there could be more appearances to come, according to 29-year-old daughter Jessica Pegula.
The third-ranked player in women’s tennis referred to her mother’s presence as camp as the final baby step in her recovery, and a reflection of her desire to be more active.
“I think it’s kind of the next step for us as a family — how much she wants to be with all the action and games this year,” Pegula said in Washington, D.C., where she’s preparing to compete in the DC Open, which kicks off on Monday. “I mean, I know she does, but it’s almost like we’re ready.”
Kim Pegula could be seen through the side window of the vehicle, which was parked at the base of the south end zone overlooking the team’s main practice field.
Kim Pegula made a surprise public appearance, her first in 14 months, during Bills’ training camp
Kim and Terry share a daughter, Jessica, who is the world’s third best tennis player
She remained in the SUV until the end of practice and was mainly kept company by her son, Matthew, while her husband Terry Pegula stopped by regularly to chat.
Pegula was last described as still dealing with significant language and memory problems after going into cardiac arrest in June 2022, shortly after celebrating her 53rd birthday.
She spent a long time in the hospital before being released to begin what is considered a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Although coach Sean McDermott stopped by the great Kim Pegula before practice, and quarterback Josh Allen met her after the session, several players were unaware of her presence.
“I haven’t seen her, but that’s great,” said All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer.
It’s also unclear how many fans were aware of her presence, as the Bills were unable to make public address announcements due to a power outage that affected the entire St. John Fisher University campus and much of the Pittsford, New York, area. hit.
Although Jessica Pegula hadn’t had a chance to talk to her mother after training, she received a glowing status report from her father, who said, “she was very happy to be there.”
“I’m glad she can get out there a little bit and enjoy things more,” Pegula said. ‘It’s been a tough year. It’s nice for her and nice for everyone to see that she’s doing well.’
Pegula co-owns the Bills along with husband Terry, who bought the AFC franchise in 2014
Arriving in Buffalo earlier this week, her performance at Bills’ training camp in suburban Rochester, New York, also marked a homecoming of sorts for Pegula, who grew up in nearby Fairport.
Pegula was from South Korea and was left orphaned as a child before being adopted at age 5 by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr, who brought her to the US
She is Pegula’s second wife, after the two met in a town south of Buffalo and got married in 1993.
The Pegulas made their fortune in the natural gas industry and returned to western New York by purchasing the NHL’s Buffalo Sabers in 2011, followed by purchasing the Bills three years later following the death of franchise founder Ralph Wilson.
Before falling ill, Pegula was actively involved in player affairs and served on several NFL committees. She held the title of Bills president before her husband took over the position two weeks ago as part of an executive management reorganization.
Terry Pegula got emotional last month when he referred to his wife during a groundbreaking ceremony for the $1.54 billion Bills new stadium, which is being built across the street from the team’s current facility and is scheduled to be completed in time for the season. 2026 opens.