Jozy Altidore played well over 500 games across his 17-year soccer career, making 115 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. In 2023 the forward hung up his boots but he’s now returning to the world of professional sports, joining an NFL ownership group.

The 35-year-old joins the Buffalo Bills’ ownership group, currently headed by co-owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Former NBA star Vince Carter was also added to the group this week.

Confirming the news in a statement posted on social media, Altidore revealed that he had grown fond of the Bills during a hugely successful six-year stint with Toronto FC. He won the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield and three Canadian Championships in Toronto.

“Having played and won an MLS championship in nearby Toronto, I’ve been a huge Bills fan for many years. It’s always been a goal of mine to become part of professional sports ownership, so this opportunity to join the Buffalo Bills family is an incredible honor and dream come trues,” the statement reads.

“Thank you to the Pegulas for their leadership, everyone at One Bills Drive for their passion and the best fans in the league – Bills Mafia – for welcoming me into the huddle.”

The Bills began life in the 1960 season as a charter member of the American Football League, joining the NFL as part of the merger in 1970. Despite winning two AFL titles in 1964 and 1965 they have never won a championship in the NFL, although they have had some notable near misses.

This year the team is looking good heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Buffalo sit top of the AFC East with a 10-3 record, the second-best record in the AFC this season. Quarterback Josh Allen is the runaway favourite in the regular season MVP race and the Bills could mount a real postseason push. Altidore was born one year before the first of Buffalo’s four consecutive Super Bowl losses in the early 1990s but now joins a team fighting to make a long-awaited return.

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