Martha Firestone Ford Steps Down As Detroit Lions Owner

DETROIT, MI — Martha Firestone Ford, who has served as the principal owner of the Detroit Lions since 2014, is stepping down from the role, the team announced Tuesday.

Ford's daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, will succeed her mother as the team's principal owner and chairman, the team said.

"It has been a great honor for our family to be associated with the Lions and with the National Football League," Ford said in a statement. "I am gratified that this family tradition, which my husband and I began almost six decades ago, will continue under Sheila's guiding hand. It is clear to me that Sheila will provide superb leadership and is fully committed to competitive excellence and community involvement."

Mrs. Ham has been active in team leadership and National Football League activities for several years in preparation for officially assuming team leadership, the team said in a statement.

"My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago," Hamp said in a statement. "She has been a tireless leader to 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 leader the Lions to excellence on and off the field."

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement thanking Ford for her time with the team.

"Martha Ford has led the Lions with skill and grace for the past six seasons," Goodell said. "I have appreciated her business insights, her love of the game, her deep commitment to the NFL, and her personal kindness.

"We are pleased that the Ford family will continue to own and operate this historic franchise. Sheila Hamp has become increasingly involved in team and league affairs over the past several years and we look forward to working with her and the rest of the club's executive team."