Martha Firestone Ford may have only been the owner of the Detroit Lions for six year, but she certainly made an impact both on the organization and the National Football League. As detailed by DetroitLions.com’s Mike O’Hara, Ford was a “hands-on” owner—unlike her late husband—and was often walking and talking with league commissioner Roger Goodell during owners meetings every year.
On Tuesday, Martha Ford stepped down as team owner, handing the reins to her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp. Shortly thereafter, Goodell offered this official statement on the Lions’ change in ownership.
“Martha Ford has led the Lions with skill and grace for the past six seasons.