Charles Woodson Buys Minority Stake in Browns

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Ohio native Charles Woodson has purchased a 0.1% stake, valued at about $5 million, to become a limited partner of the Cleveland Browns, marking the first minority ownership addition since the Haslams acquired the team in 2012. The transaction was approved at the NFL Spring Meetings in Minnesota, with Derrick Heggans of Shepherd Park Sports Properties facilitating the introduction. Woodson, who won the Heisman Trophy at Michigan and played 18 NFL seasons, expressed pride in joining the Browns and a desire to contribute to the organization and league. As with other former players who own stakes and work as broadcasters, such as Tom Brady, Woodson will face certain media restrictions. Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam praised Woodson's legacy, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit as aligning with the team's values. The move underscores both Woodson's achievements and the NFL's continuing push for more diverse team ownership.