From Soccer Star to NFL Newcomer: Jozy Altidore’s Exciting Transition with the Bills

Jozy Altidore, a New Jersey native and lifelong New York Giants fan, has recently switched allegiances to a new team. The retired U.S. soccer star is now a limited partner in the Buffalo Bills ownership group. This group of minority owners also includes former NBA players Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. Together, they bought about 20% of the franchise, which is valued at roughly $5.8 billion.

Having played in Toronto for seven years, Altidore knows the strong connection between the Buffalo Bills and the Toronto community. He learned that many Torontonians cheer for the Bills, as it’s the closest NFL team. He recalls how his former Toronto FC teammates would often make the 115-mile trip to Buffalo for games.

“When you live in Toronto, the Buffalo Bills are your team, whether you like it or not,” he said. His goal is to foster a wider fan base for the Bills in the Great Lakes region, helping to build a bridge between the two areas.

The Bills recently sold a 10% stake to Arctos Partners, a private equity firm involved in various sports leagues. They aim to draw in more Bills fans from Toronto, a city with a population of 6.7 million. Altidore wants to contribute by organizing community events and cross-border activities.

Fans in Buffalo are also hopeful that Altidore’s involvement with the Bills will boost soccer culture in the area. Local soccer supporters reached out to him as soon as the news broke about his partnership, eager to collaborate on events that promote the sport. The Buffalo Stallions joined the National Premier Soccer League recently, and there are ongoing efforts to bring a USL Championship men’s team to Western New York.

Excitingly, the Bills will soon move to a new stadium designed to host major events, including soccer matches. Altidore expressed interest in helping to bring international soccer events, like friendlies or even a World Cup match, to Buffalo. “It would be a welcomed conversation,” he said.

With Altidore’s partnership, he joins other prominent Black athletes investing in NFL teams, such as Lewis Hamilton and Magic Johnson. This move showcases the NFL’s commitment to inclusivity, a goal emphasized by league officials.

Before joining the Bills, Altidore had an interest in owning a sports team. He looked into purchasing a stake in Real Salt Lake while he was still playing in MLS. Even though that deal went to different owners, he remains keen on possibly adding an MLS team to his portfolio in the future.

For now, Altidore is all in with the Bills. “I’m all Bills now,” he laughed. “Giants who?”

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