Kim Pegula, Bills Co-Owner, Makes First Public Appearance at Training Camp Following Cardiac Arrest

Kim Pegula, co-owner of the Buffalo Bills, was spotted for the first time in 14 months since her severe cardiac arrest, watching the team’s training practice from the family’s SUV on Sunday. This marked a promising and unexpected public appearance, suggesting more might be forthcoming, as shared by her 29-year-old daughter, Jessica Pegula.

Jessica, the third-ranking women’s tennis player, spoke of her mother’s return to camp as the newest small progression in her recovery, displaying her eagerness to get more involved. “As a family, deciding how much she wants to participate in the happenings and games this year seems like the next logical step,” she mentioned from Washington, D.C., where she is set to play in the DC Open that commences on Monday.

From the side window of the parked SUV at the south end zone, Kim was visible, enjoying a view of the primary practice field. Her son, Matthew, was mostly her companion in the vehicle till practice ended, with her husband, Terry Pegula, dropping by periodically for a conversation.

Following her cardiac arrest in June 2022 shortly after her 53rd birthday, Kim has been reportedly struggling with substantial memory and language issues. A substantial hospital stay marked her initial recovery phase, followed by an anticipated long-term rehabilitation process.

Head Coach Sean McDermott and quarterback Josh Allen were among those who interacted with Kim, despite many players and fans being unaware of her presence due to a power outage that impeded any public announcements.

Although Jessica hadn’t spoken to her mother post-practice, she received a positive update from her father, stating Kim was delighted to be present. Jessica expressed relief seeing her mother engaging in activities more freely, stating, “It’s a tough year. It’s good for her and everyone around to see her doing well.”

Kim’s visit to the Bills training camp in Rochester, NY, also had a personal significance, as she was raised in nearby Fairport. Born in South Korea, she was adopted at age five by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr. Kim married Terry in 1993, marking her second marriage. The couple amassed their wealth in the natural gas industry, purchasing the Buffalo Sabres in 2011 and the Bills in 2014.

Before her health issues, Kim actively participated in player affairs and held various positions on NFL committees. She was the Bills’ president before her husband assumed the role following a recent reshuffling of the executive team.

Terry Pegula, during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Bills’ new $1.54 billion stadium last month, got emotional talking about his wife, stating “And Kim, you are my favorite star,” referencing the Bellamy Brothers’ song.

AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich contributed from Washington.

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