Martha Ford Takes on Detroit Lions Ownership after Husband’s Death

The Detroit Lions have revealed the franchise will still be controlled by the Ford family after the passing of owner and chairman William Clay Ford Sr. on Sunday.

The franchise has transferred to his widow, Martha Ford who has been actively involved in the team for a number of years.

“Pursuant to long-established succession plans, Mr. Ford’s controlling interest in the Lions passes to Mrs. Martha Ford,” the team released in a statement. “She and her four children will continue to be involved in the ownership of the franchise, as they have during Mr. Ford’s tenure.”

Mrs. Ford is the granddaughter of Harvey Firestone. She and William Clay Ford married in 1947.

Mrs. Ford’s son, Bill Ford, the team’s vice chairman since 1995, will remain in that role, and daughters Martha, Sheila and Elizabeth will also be involved with the team.

The day-to-day operations of the franchise will continue to be run by team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew.

Ford died of pneumonia at the age of 88, Ford Motor Co. said in a statement Sunday. He was the last surviving grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford and owned the Lions since 1964.

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