Detroit Lions longtime owner Martha Ford to step down, daughter Sheila to succeed her

In a shocking move, Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford announced she is stepping down from the positive after six seasons. Her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp will succeed her mother as team’s principal owner and chairman.

The 94-year-old Ford said it was “a great honor to be associated with the franchise,” adding she knows Sheila will provide “superb leadership being fully committed to competitive excellence and community involvement,” according to DetriotLions.com.

Meanwhile, Ford Hamp said she wanted to thank her mother for “the countless contributions,” and she “looks forward to leading the Lions to excellence on and off the field.”

Her first move most notably has been retaining head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn after consulting with fellow family members who hold positions within the Lions front-office.

The expectation according to Ford Hamp, is to “be very competitive,” for the next two seasons.