Bills owner does not want NY/NJ Super Bowl

The Jets and Giants owners remain cautiously optimistic that they can convince owners to approve an outdoor Super Bowl in a northern city for the first time in NFL history.

But don't expect Bills owner Ralph Wilson to change his position on the idea. Wilson remains opposed to an outdoor Super Bowl unless it's in a southern or western venue. The Jets and Giants are hoping to win the 2014 Super Bowl at the teams' new stadium at the Meadowlands.

We sought an interview with Wilson to discuss the subject, and public relations director Scott Berchtold contacted Wilson's offices in Detroit. We included in the request a reminder of Wilson's previous position against a New York/New Jersey Super Bowl when the idea was broached in 2002.

At that time, Wilson said that "the Super Bowl should be played in championship conditions," expressing grave reservations about inclement weather in the New York metropolitan area. Owners eventually backed off the idea of a NY/NJ Super Bowl, but the project has gained steam and is now supported by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured).

Wilson declined to be interviewed, but said through Berchtold that his "position has not changed." 

There could be other owners similarly opposed to an outdoor Super Bowl in the north. Steelers owner Dan Rooney expressed skepticism last month that a Super Bowl could be held in the New York area without the benefit of an indoor stadium.

Owners will discuss the matter at their annual spring meetings in Orlando March 21-24, and the Super Bowl vote will be taken at the league's May meetings in Dallas.