In a surprising turn of events, former NFL player Charles Woodson, now a team owner, will square off against Tom Brady, his long-standing rival on the field, though in a different capacity this time.
Hanging Out with the NFL Bigwigs: Charley Woodson's Journey to Ownership
Rubbing shoulders with power players, making deals, and Sundays filled with football excitement - it's all part of the Super Bowl party scene. Last year's event in Las Vegas saw a high-profile gathering at the swanky Cipriani in Wynn Plaza, featuring a star-studded cast of NFL's elite and big-time ownership. Hall of Famer Charles Woodson dined with the Browns' own Haslam family, discussing everything from team tactics to Woodson's humble beginnings in Ohio.
Woodson, Ohio's Mr. Football in 1994, shared with the Haslams that even in his wildest dreams, he could never picture himself as an owner of his hometown team. Fast forward to today, and the dream has become a reality, as Woodson recently joined the Browns' ownership group.
Woodson's entry into the world of NFL ownership was no walk in the park. It began with a conversational nudge from retired Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald, a savvy investor who once owned an NBA stake. Fitzgerald introduced Woodson to Derrick Heggans, a former NFL attorney with close ties to league owners, who played a crucial role in facilitating the connection between Woodson and the Haslams.
As a limited partner, Woodson will have some restrictions, such as being barred from production meetings and entering other teams' facilities. However, he views these limitations as a non-issue due to his analyst role on FOX NFL Kickoff.
Woodson isn't the only ex-athlete carving out a piece of the NFL pie. The league has been striving to diversify ownership, welcoming individuals like former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes (Atlanta Falcons) and a trio of Toronto sports stars (Buffalo Bills) - Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Jozy Altidore.
The NFL's focus on promoting diversity extends beyond on-field roles. Commissioner Roger Goodell has emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, even amidst obstacles like the temporary halt of the Coach and Front Office Accelerator program[2][5]. In the future, the league may announce new strategies aimed at increasing diversity in ownership roles[1][2].
With his new role, Woodson is eager to contribute in various ways, even lending his expertise to on-field matters if the front office finds it valuable[4]. When he's not gracing the analyst booth or elevating his businesses (Woodson Whiskey, Intercept Wines), he's coaching his son's high school football team in Orlando, Florida. And now, Woodson can add "owner" to his already impressive football resume - a dream come true for the kid from Fremont[3].
(This story has been corrected in the fifth paragraph to clarify the percentage of Woodson's stake.)
(Enrichment Data: The NFL has been promoting diversity through various initiatives, including the pause of the Coach and Front Office Accelerator program. The league has made strides in increasing diversity in leadership roles, even though specific programs for ownership are less detailed. Notable former athletes in NFL ownership include Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. The NFL plans to relaunch the Accelerator program in 2026 with a revised format, which could potentially include new pathways for increasing diversity in ownership roles.)
Charles Woodson, now an NFL owner, shared his journey with the Haslams, expressing surprise about his role considering his humble beginnings in Ohio. To enter the world of NFL ownership, Woodson received a nudge from retired Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald, a former NBA stakeholder.
Joining as a limited partner, Woodson faces certain restrictions, such as being barred from production meetings and entering other teams' facilities. Despite these limitations, his analyst role on FOX NFL Kickoff enables him to contribute to the league.
Similarly, diversity is a focus for the NFL, as seen in the league's initiatives like the Coach and Front Office Accelerator program. Ex-athletes like Dominique Dawes (Atlanta Falcons) and a trio of Toronto sports stars (Buffalo Bills) have also claimed a piece of the NFL pie.
Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the NFL. In the future, the league may reveal new strategies aimed at boosting diversity in ownership roles.
