Hall of Famer Charles Woodson is expanding his influence in the sports world by purchasing a small stake in the Cleveland Browns, acquiring 0.1 percent from the Haslam family, the team’s majority owners. This move reflects a growing trend of former players becoming involved in team ownership, which can enrich the franchise with their firsthand experience and passion for the game.
The sale is contingent upon Woodson’s compliance with league policies, requiring him to remove his name, image, and likeness from the branding of his wine and whisky business to avoid any conflicts with the NFL’s alcohol policy. He will also have to adhere to broadcasting regulations similar to those imposed on other former players like Tom Brady, although Woodson does not typically engage in game commentary.
Woodson, who hails from Fremont, Ohio, approximately 85 miles west of Cleveland, has a storied history in the NFL. Drafted as the No. 4 overall pick by the Raiders in 1998, he enjoyed an illustrious 18-season career with both the Raiders and Packers. Over this time, he played 254 games, earned three All-Pro selections, was named the 1998 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 2009 AP Defensive Player of the Year, and secured a Super Bowl title with Green Bay in XLV. His significant contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
This transition of a legendary player into a team’s ownership group illustrates the deepening connection between past players and present franchises, suggesting a positive evolution in how former athletes can continue to influence the game off the field. Woodson’s involvement could potentially bring valuable insights and a fresh perspective to the Browns’ management and operations, benefiting both the team and its fans.