Even though he's been retired from football for several years, NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson has been keeping busy. He's worked with Fox at times and owns a popular whiskey brand that is partnered with the Las Vegas Raiders, his former team.
However, it appears that Woodson has even bigger goals in mind. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the legendary defensive back is nearing a deal to buy a 0.1% ownership of the Cleveland Browns.
This news comes out a nowhere, as Woodson doesn't have any previous ties to the Browns. He played his entire career for the Raiders and Green Bay Packers.
charles woodson
Former Raiders DB Charles Woodson.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Russini did note that Woodson is an Ohio native, and that played a factor in his interest. What's most surprising is that he's going to have to remove his popular Woodson Whiskey brand and Charles Woodson's "Intercept" win.
Being involved with those brands violates the NFL's alcohol policy. He will also face similar broadcasting restrictions that Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has to deal with.
It's odd that Woodson would seek a deal like this with the Browns instead of the Raiders. Perhaps Las Vegas wasn't interested after cutting a deal with Brady last year.
Woodson is following in his former Michigan teammate's footsteps by being one of the rare players to get into team ownership.
With a 0.1% stake, it's unlikely Woodson will have as much say over the franchise as Brady appears to have with the Raiders. That said, they could rely on him as a resource for their football operations going forward.