Photo Credit: Kyle Meinke/ MLive.com
If there’s one person who doesn’t get enough credit in the NFL, it’s Martha Firestone Ford. Most people don’t even actually know who Ford is, but that’s why she deserves to be spotlighted. As the owner and chairwoman of the Detriot Lions, Ford has singlehandedly put this team together. Her authority, ability to make tough decisions and being one of the better/most underrated team owners is what makes her such an interesting figure.
At age 90, Ford looks like she has no intention of slowing down. After the death of her husband last year, she decided to take the reins and has been chairwoman of the franchise. Many believed that she would give ownership to her son, however, she completely dispelled that and took charge of the team.
The obvious example of that would be her decision to fire Lions President, Tom Lewand and GM Martin Mayhew. Her goal with their firing was simple, she didn’t believe that Lewand and Mayhew were doing their job and she wanted to change that.  Ford released a letter to fans after the firings, “You deserve much better. Your support, loyalty and passion for the Lions over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. You have done your part. Now we must do our part.” If that doesn’t show her commitment to the team and her ability to make tough decisions, nothing else will.
It might be assumed that at her age, Ford would keep away and off the field. Ford breaks that stereotype too. On Christmas Day when the Lions were practicing, Ford dropped in for a visit with her family and even stayed past practice. Ford’s dedication to her team can also be seen in the way that the players talk about her. When asked about Ford, wide receiver Golden Tate raved about her, “She has a huge, pretty smile on her face. She’s so adorable. I love her to death.” Even though Tate described Ford as “adorable”, her presence with the other owners is one of a kind.
As one of the eldest owners and one of only three female owners in the league, Ford makes sure that everyone knows she means business. Even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged her as a great owner, “She has it all…Experience, charm, energy, class and credibility.” Ford’s presence in the Lions front office helped to take them to the playoffs last year and tried to save this season after a terrible start; even if she doesn’t take them to the playoffs this year things have only approved under her control.
Ford has become one of the best owners in football. Her quest to have her team taken seriously is admirable and a net worth of $1.37 billion isn’t too bad either. Ford has completed flipped all of the stereotypes of women, the elderly, and NFL owners on its head and it doesn’t look like she’ll be changing anytime soon.
