Jon Bon Jovi says he'd keep the Bills in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Rocker Jon Bon Jovi wrote an open letter to fans of the Buffalo Bills saying that if he purchased the NFL team, he'd keep it in Western New York.

There's been speculation for months that Bon Jovi was interested in purchasing the team after owner Ralph Wilson died, and now his Toronto-based group has officially put in a bid.

Fans worried the rocker would move the team out of Buffalo — perhaps to Toronto, where the team has played several games over the past few years.

Bon Jovi penned an open letter — submitted exclusively to the Buffalo News — saying he didn't intend to do that.

He said his objective is to keep the Bills in Western New York by building a "state-of-the-art NFL stadium for the loyal Bills fans."

"I know how much the Bills mean to the people of this region," Bon Jovi said. "So I want you to hear this from me: I'm not risking it all to let you down.

"If we are given the chance to be the next owners of the Buffalo Bills, I promise you that we will bring the same passion that you do every Sunday, every day," he added.

Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula and developer Donald Trump have also made bids to purchase the team.