PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP)

— Kim Pegula, co-owner of the Buffalo Bills, demonstrated notable progress in her recovery from a cardiac arrest that occurred in June 2022. On Friday, she was seen walking independently for the first time since her health crisis, as she was escorted onto the field by her husband, Terry Pegula, to participate in breaking the team huddle. This moment marked a significant milestone in her rehabilitation journey, which has included extensive therapy for language and memory challenges. During the initial days of training camp, Pegula observed practice from the family’s SUV, reminiscent of her previous appearance at last year’s camp following her illness. As practice concluded, Terry Pegula assisted her out of the vehicle and guided her to the team, where she joyfully counted down with the players to break the huddle, a gesture that left a positive impression on the team, according to left tackle Dion Dawkins. Despite her ongoing recovery, Kim Pegula remains listed as co-owner of the Bills, although her husband has taken over her responsibilities as team president. This change is part of a broader restructuring of the Pegula family's business interests, which also include ownership of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. The couple's journey began in the Buffalo area, where they met and married in 1993, after Kim was adopted from South Korea. The Pegulas, who built their wealth in the natural gas industry, have been significant figures in the Buffalo sports community since acquiring the Sabres in 2011 and the Bills in 2014, following the passing of franchise founder Ralph Wilson. Before her health issues, Kim Pegula was actively engaged in NFL operations and player matters.