Charles Woodson Joins Cleveland Browns Ownership Group as Minority Partner
In a groundbreaking move that bridges his celebrated playing career with a new chapter in the NFL, Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson has become a limited partner of the Cleveland Browns. The announcement, confirmed during the NFL’s Spring Meetings in May 2025, marks a significant moment not just for Woodson, but for the Browns franchise and the broader trend of former players taking leadership roles within professional sports organizations.
Charles Woodson, a native of Fremont, Ohio, expressed profound pride in the opportunity to invest in his home state’s NFL team. “In my wildest childhood dreams, I never considered the opportunity to become a limited partner of an NFL team, let alone the Cleveland Browns in my home state of Ohio,” Woodson said in a statement released by the team. “It is among my greatest honors to join the Haslam and Johnson families and the entire Haslam Sports Group.”
This move makes Woodson the first minority owner to be added to the Browns’ ownership group since Jimmy and Dee Haslam took control of the team in 2012. The Haslams, who also own the Columbus Crew (MLS) and stake in the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), have emphasized inclusivity and football expertise in building their leadership teams. Welcoming someone of Woodson’s stature and experience represents a powerful step toward diversifying ownership in the NFL.
Woodson brings with him a Hall of Fame resume and a legacy of leadership. During his 18-season NFL career, Woodson was a force at both cornerback and safety, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award (1998), a Defensive Player of the Year honor (2009), and a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers (2010). He spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders, where he became a beloved icon. Despite those ties, his Ohio roots and respect for the Browns fanbase make this partnership a natural fit.
Woodson will be joining the Browns in a limited ownership capacity, which comes with certain NFL-imposed restrictions. As with Tom Brady’s recent attempt to acquire a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, Woodson will not have access to team facilities, coaching meetings, or practices. The league also enforces strict anti-tampering and gambling policies on all owners, and minority owners are barred from making public comments criticizing officiating or other teams.
Despite these limitations, Woodson’s presence as an owner carries symbolic and practical weight. His knowledge of the game, credibility with players, and public persona—particularly through his work as a broadcaster on FOX NFL Sunday—enhance the Browns’ stature both on and off the field. His involvement may also inspire a new generation of former players and minorities to pursue opportunities in sports ownership.
Woodson’s journey from Heisman Trophy winner to NFL superstar and now NFL owner highlights the expanding roles former athletes can play in shaping the league’s future. For the Cleveland Browns, his return to Ohio is not only a homecoming—it’s a promise of vision, legacy, and leadership.
