CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- A Champaign businessman is an owner of an NFL franchise. And now people are wondering... Who is Shahid Khan?
Shahid Khan is a rare man in Champaign. The 61 year-old owner of a multi-billion dollar company just added the Jacksonville Jaguars to his assets.
"He really wanted to buy a team and he wanted to do it here in Jacksonville," said former Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver.
The price tag of the Jags was $760 million. But friends said Khan worked his way to wealth.
Weaver calls Khan an "American story." At 16, he came from Pakistan to study engineering at the University of Illinois. He paid his way through college and started working at Flex-N-Gate in Urbana. Within ten years he bought the company and made it his own.
"I absolutely admire entrepreneurs, and he really sets the bar," said Weaver.
Flex-N-Gate produces auto parts for companies worldwide, including GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota.
Those who know Khan said his heart is bigger than his bankroll. He's a loyal donor to U of I and the university said his compassion is community-driven.
"He has a down-to-earth personality who has been very supportive of everyone in the community," said Assistant Athletic Director Kent Brown.
Khan will greet the media Monday at a news conference in Jacksonville, Florida when the Jaguars host the San Diego Chargers for Monday Night Football.
