Ted Rogers, the Toronto media mogul who was instrumental in bringing the Buffalo Bills to

Toronto for eight games over five years, died early today -- just five days before the Bills'

first regular-season game in the Rogers Centre.

Rogers, 75, who had been suffering from congestive heart failure and had been in declining

health the past few years, died early this morning in his Toronto home, surrounded by family

members.

"It is with great sadness that the board of directors of Rogers Communications Inc.

announces the death of our colleague, leader and friend, Edward Samuel "Ted" Rogers, the

founder of the company, a visionary communications industry pioneer and an icon in Canadian

business," the company said in a statement released shortly after his death.

Last February, Rogers and other Toronto leaders held a press conference there with Bills

owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. to announce the eight-game venture for the Bills in Toronto.

"This is going to be a great partnership," Rogers said at the Feb. 6 press conference.

"We're going to charge high rates. We're going to have all the seats sold -- standing room only

out to Queen Street, and the best is yet to come."

In expressing his condolences today, Wilson noted how sad he was that Rogers passed away before witnessing the Bills' first regular-season game in Toronto.

"I was deeply saddened this morning when I heard the news of the passing of Ted Rogers," Wilson said in a statement issued by the Bills.

"Ted was a true visionary and a giant in the communications field. Obviously, he played an integral part in the Bills Toronto Series and it makes me very sad that he won't be here to share in the historic game with us this weekend in the building that bears his name.

"He will be missed by many, many people for a very long time," Wilson added. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Rogers built Rogers Communications into a Canadian and North American leader in wireless

telecommunications, cable television, broadcasting and publishing. The company also owned the

Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.

He ranked second on Canadian Business magazine's list of 100 richest in Canada last year,

trailing only the Thomson family.

"Ted Rogers was one of a kind who built this company from one FM radio station into

Canada's largest wireless, cable and media company," said Alan Horn, chairman of Rogers

Communications and acting CEO. "A leader also in giving to the community through his and

Loretta's many philanthropic initiatives. He will be sadly missed."