Buffalo Bills news, 11/25: linking the Bills, Bon Jovi, and Toronto

Bon Jovi and the Bills

Today's photo is Bon Jovi sitting with MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum (left) and CEO Tim Leiweke (right) four weeks ago as the Raptors opened their season. Leiweke is the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the corporate conglomerate that owns the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Air Canada Centre, and more.

Bon Jovi, MLSE livin' on prayers if they envision Toronto Bills before 2020 | Toronto Sun
"Jon and I are very good friends," Leiweke told the Star. "We talk weekly about his NFL ambitions. And so we're actively engaged, but I think it's still a work in progress."

Is Jon Bon Jovi going to buy and move the Buffalo Bills to Toronto? | National Post
"MLSE would not be involved in any prospective purchase of the Bills, multiple sources told the National Post, but would likely build and operate an NFL-caliber stadium in Toronto, possibly near Downsview Park or Woodbine Racetrack."

Shoalts: Bon Jovi buying Bills, building new Toronto stadium would be a $2-billion play - The Globe and Mail
Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment has a guy on staff devoted to building an NFL stadium in Toronto. "So far, we’re told, there is a design for a stadium that would cost $600-million but our informants say that won’t get much these days and the final number will be closer to $1-billion plus another $1-billion (U.S.) or so to buy the Bills, making this a $2-billion play."

Jon Bon Jovi, MLSE give Toronto inside track on Buffalo Bills: Kelly | Toronto Star
"We can’t own a team (per NFL rules), but we do have more expertise on how to build (stadiums) than anyone," Leiweke said. "MLSE can play a role. We’re not the lead here. Our job is to augment whatever group may come together."

Is it ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ – could Bon Jovi own Bills? - The Buffalo News
In a statement issued Sunday, the Bills said: "Pro Football Hall of Fame member Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. is the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills franchise. The organization does not respond to reports of the interest other parties may have in ownership of the franchise or of speculation concerning various groups that may have such interest."

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Inside The Bills | Fred: This is closest Bills team I’ve seen
"I can’t remember a team being as close as this team is," said Jackson. "Everybody is willing to fight for each other. There’s not a bad seed or something that guys don’t agree with. When you have that it kind of festers in the locker room or even throughout the building. Guys are willing to go the extra mile for each other and I think you’ve seen it in a lot of games that we’ve been in. Guys are showing up trying to make plays for each other. Somebody goes down, the next man up."

Goodwin developing as offensive weapon - BuffaloBills.com
"Marquise is a guy you want to get him the ball, but not just deep routes," said EJ Manuel. "He can also run great routes across the middle. He’s a very good, versatile receiver. He just happens to have a lot of speed and people only think you can throw deep balls to him, but he can run great routes across the middle too."