Legendary NFL player follows Tom Brady's way, steps into ownership role with minority stake in Cleveland Browns
Charles Woodson is making headlines again—this time not for his play on the field but for his latest business venture. The legendary defensive back has purchased a minority ownership stake in the
Cleveland Browns
, a team he never played for but one that represents his home state of Ohio.
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This move reflects not only his enduring connection to the game but also a deeper bond to his roots.
Charles Woodson joins Cleveland Browns ownership group
The Browns, owned by the Haslam family, have agreed to sell a 0.1 percent stake to Woodson, as reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The move brings fresh energy and visibility to a franchise that has struggled for consistent success in recent years. 'Charles Woodson is set to buy a 0.1 percent stake in the Browns from the Haslam family,' Russini confirmed.
Though it's a small stake, the impact of Woodson's presence could be much larger in the long run.
Like
Tom Brady
's deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, Woodson's investment comes with specific broadcasting stipulations. The Fox NFL Kickoff analyst will be required to maintain professional boundaries between his media work and business dealings. 'Woodson must remove his name, image and likeness from any business in which he is involved,' Russini noted, echoing the precedent set by Brady's arrangement.
Woodson, now 48, played 18 seasons in the NFL between 1998 and 2015, splitting his time between the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and the Green Bay Packers. Though he built his career outside Cleveland, his Ohio origins give this ownership move a layer of poetic justice. After all, few players have left as indelible a mark on the league as Woodson.
Over nearly two decades, he defined versatility and longevity in the defensive backfield.
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A former No. 4 overall draft pick, Woodson appeared in nine Pro Bowls, earned three First-Team All-Pro honors, and won a Super Bowl with the Packers during the 2010-11 season. His 11 defensive touchdowns and 183 passes defended remain staggering numbers, with a league-leading nine interceptions in 2009 highlighting his ball-hawking dominance.
The Browns, on the other hand, are still looking to find their identity.
With only three playoff appearances since rejoining the NFL in 1999 and coming off a disappointing 3-14 season, the team has long struggled for consistency. While Woodson won't be making on-field plays, his presence could signal a cultural shift—one that blends elite football intellect with deep Ohio roots.
For fans of the Browns and the NFL alike, this isn't just a financial transaction—it's a symbolic homecoming for one of football's all-time greats.
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