Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, known for his legendary stints with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, is on the verge of becoming a minority owner of the Cleveland Browns, a team he grew up rooting for in Fremont, Ohio. According to Dianna Russini, Woodson is finalizing a deal to buy a 0.1 percent stake in the franchise, but there’s a catch—a Tom Brady-inspired clause that comes with some unique restrictions.
The deal, orchestrated by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, mirrors the setup Brady has as a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Woodson, a staple on Fox Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff and Fox NFL Kickoff, will be limited to analytical work, barred from visiting opposing teams’ facilities or conducting private interviews with non-Browns players. It’s a move to prevent any conflict of interest, ensuring his media role doesn’t interfere with his ownership duties. Woodson’s also expected to step away from his business ventures, including his alcohol brands like “Twenty Four by Charles Woodson,” “Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines,” and “Woodson Whiskey,” which he launched in 2005, 2019, and more recently, respectively.
That 0.1 percent stake might sound small, but with the Browns valued at $5.15 billion by Forbes, it’s worth about $5.15 million—a tidy investment for the former Defensive Player of the Year. Woodson’s net worth, estimated at $35 million by Celebrity Net Worth, could see a big boost depending on the Browns’ success over the next decade. His ties to Cleveland run deep—born just 90 minutes from the city, he was a lifelong Browns fan before his NFL career took him to Oakland and Green Bay. He also shares a Michigan Wolverines connection with the Browns’ 2025 No. 5 overall pick, Mason Graham, both being unanimous All-American defenders who led Michigan to national titles (Woodson in 1997, Graham in 2023).
For Browns fans, Woodson’s involvement is a full-circle moment, bringing a hometown hero into the ownership fold. With his football legacy—highlighted by a Heisman Trophy, nine Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl ring with the Packers—plus his media savvy and business acumen, Woodson’s poised to make an impact off the field in Cleveland. The “Tom Brady clause” might limit his media role, but it’s a small price to pay for a stake in his childhood team. As the Browns navigate a pivotal 2025 season, Woodson’s addition to the ownership group could be the start of something special.
