In a monumental move blending legacy, leadership, and loyalty, the Cleveland Browns have officially welcomed Pro Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion, and proud Ohio native Charles Woodson as a limited partner in the franchise’s ownership group. The announcement, confirmed by the Browns’ front office earlier today, marks a historic addition to the organization — and one that signals a powerful new chapter in Cleveland football.
“We’re beyond thrilled to bring Charles home,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the Browns’ principal owners. “His elite football mind, championship pedigree, and deep Ohio roots make him an extraordinary asset not only to our ownership group but to the entire Cleveland Browns community.”
Woodson, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, and rose to national fame at the University of Michigan before enjoying a legendary NFL career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive backs in football history. In 2009, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and in 2021, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Now, Woodson brings his unmatched football insight and business acumen to the Browns, a team that has long been searching for long-term success and stability. His role as a limited partner will see him involved in key decision-making processes, community outreach, and advisory roles within the football and business operations of the franchise.
“This is more than just a business move — it’s personal,” Woodson said in his first public comments since the announcement. “I’ve always carried Ohio with me throughout my career. Joining the Browns ownership group is a full-circle moment. I believe in the direction this franchise is heading, and I want to be part of the transformation.”
The move is already resonating throughout the league and among Browns fans, many of whom see this as a strong signal of commitment to the franchise’s cultural reset and long-term ambitions. With a new wave of leadership on and off the field, the Browns aim to build a consistent winning culture rooted in resilience, accountability, and pride.
Current and former NFL players have also chimed in with praise. “Charles Woodson is a legend in every sense of the word,” said fellow Hall of Famer Ed Reed. “To see him take this step into ownership is inspiring — and a win for Cleveland.”
The addition of Woodson comes amid a broader trend of former players stepping into executive and ownership roles — a move widely seen as pivotal for diversifying the leadership landscape in professional sports.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, optimism in Cleveland is soaring. With Charles Woodson now officially part of the Browns’ ownership fabric, the future looks not only promising — but profoundly grounded in the legacy of greatness.
