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Martha Ford Stepping Down as Lions Owner

Sheila Ford Hamp is the Lions' new principal owner as team announces succession plan.
John Maakaron|
Martha Ford Stepping Down as Lions Owner
Martha Ford Stepping Down as Lions Owner

The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that Martha Firestone Ford has decided to step away.

Sheila Ford Hamp is her successor, as conveyed via a statement released by the franchise.  

"Under the team's established plan, Mrs. Ford's daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, has succeeded her mother as the team's principal owner and chairman. Mrs. Hamp has been active in team leadership and National Football League activities for several years in preparation for officially assuming team leadership."

The Lions remain one of six NFL teams with a female owner, along with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.

“My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago,” Hamp's statement read. “She has been a tireless leader of our family, our team and our community. Her smart decisions have given me a solid foundation to take the team forward. On behalf of the family and the team, I want to thank her for her countless contributions. I look forward to leading the Lions to excellence on and off the field.”

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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