The Green Bay Packers stand out as the most distinctive team in all professional sports. They boast 13 NFL championships, the highest in the league’s history, and are unique for not having a singular owner. Instead, the franchise is owned by its fans, with Mark Murphy (and soon Ed Policy) serving as the team’s CEO/President. Occasionally, the Packers offer shares for fans to purchase, with the proceeds going towards construction projects and upgrades to Lambeau Field.

Shareholders receive a certificate acknowledging their ownership and can attend the annual shareholders meeting. While supporters of other NFL teams might jest about Green Bay’s management and funding, the absence of a dominant owner has prevented the Packers from making negative headlines that other teams face due to intrusive owners.

In contrast, all other NFL teams have a principal owner and several smaller investors. For instance, the Cleveland Browns are owned by Jimmy Haslam, who also holds a significant share in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Last year, NFL icon Tom Brady drew attention by acquiring a minor stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, a renowned Green Bay figure joins the ranks of NFL ownership. As reported by The Athletic, Hall of Famer Charles Woodson has acquired a 0.1% stake in the Browns from Haslam:

“Charles Woodson intends to purchase a 0.1 percent interest in the Browns from the Haslam family, a source within the league informed The Athletic on Thursday. Jimmy and Dee Haslam have been the Browns’ owners since 2012.

“Woodson, aged 48, has spent the past three years working as an analyst for Fox after an 18-year playing career that led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. The transaction is dependent on Woodson agreeing to broadcasting restrictions similar to those imposed on Raiders owner Tom Brady.”

The report further mentions that, in line with these restrictions, Woodson will need to dissociate his name from his renowned Woodson Whiskey business and his wine company. Keeping his name would breach NFL regulations. He can continue to own and sell products from these businesses, but his name must be excluded from their packaging and marketing.