Martha Firestone Ford Steps Down As Owner Of Detroit Lions

Lions fans that have been clamoring for new ownership can finally rejoice. Martha Firestone Ford has announced she’s stepping down as owner of the Detroit Lions. The team will stay in the family, however, as her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp will take over for her mother. The change in ownership comes after the Lions had another tumultuous season plagued by injuries and questionable coaching decisions.

The 2019-2020 season saw the Lions finish with a 3-12-1 record and the faith of their fans shaken even further. Many of them had begun to call for Firestone Ford to sell the team. There had been no indication of interest in selling the team, and there were no formal succession plans in place. Firestone Ford took over ownership of the Lions in 2014 after her husband William Clay Ford, Sr passed away.

Sheila Ford Hamp was never officially announced as the official successor, but she has been more of a presence lately. Ford Hamp was the point person who answered much of the media’s questions after the Lions announced they were keeping both Head Coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn.

Martha Firestone Ford to step down as principal owner of Detroit Lions

Sheila Ford Hamp to succeed mother as team’s principal owner and chairman pic.twitter.com/HU0FehT0WO

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 23, 2020

The Lions are faced with an uphill battle trying to recover from the missteps of last season. A strong rookie draft and a few key free agent signings have placed them in the position to win. As a life long Lions fan, we’ve been here before though. Execution seems to be our worst enemy. Hopefully, a new owner will reinvigorate the team, and in turn, bring the passion back to the fanbase.