The Cleveland Browns are not done bringing in new blood to the organization. No, we are not talking about another NFL free agent addition after the NFL draft or a divisive new cartoon mascot.
The day after the NFL schedule release showed how the NFL thought about the team on the field, Hall of Famer Charles Woodson will reportedly join the ownership group by buying a piece of the team from Jimmy Haslam. While Woodson is known from his time at Michigan and in the pros, Woodson grew up in Fremont, Ohio (between Sandusky and Toledo).
Ohio’s “Mr. Football” as a senior at Fremont Ross High School, Woodson returns to be a part of his home state’s oldest team, but will have similar media restrictions as Tom Brady does:
Hall of Famer Charles Woodson is set to purchase a 0.1% stake in the Browns from the Haslam family.
The sale is contingent upon Woodson agreeing to similar broadcasting restrictions to Raiders owner Tom Brady and removing his name, image and likeness from businesses he is… pic.twitter.com/pNjwavk6ah
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 15, 2025
The rare defensive Heisman Trophy winner, Woodson’s other businesses are related to alcohol (wine and whiskey):
Woodson, an Ohio native, would cease allowing his NIL to be used on packaging for new bottles of wine and whiskey businesses he is involved in to secure his Browns ownership stake, as it violates the league’s alcohol policy. https://t.co/dAJSsdhEXX
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 15, 2025
Many are surprised to hear that the league has such a policy.
Despite the minimal stake in the team, making major changes to his other brands to secure the ownership deal indicates that Woodson will have some significant involvement with the Browns organization.
Woodson is an analyst for Fox’s NFL kickoff show and, like Brady, will have limited access inside team meetings and more now that he owns a part of a franchise.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available about Woodson’s purchase and involvement with the team.