Detroit Lions announce Martha Ford, wife of the late William Clay Ford, to take over team

DETROIT – The wife of William Clay Ford will take over his controlling interest in the Detroit Lions after the longtime owner's death.

The Lions announced Monday that Ford's interest in the team passes to Martha Ford, pursuant to "long-established succession plans."

William Clay Ford died Sunday. The 88-year-old Ford was the last surviving grandchild of automotive pioneer Henry Ford.

William Clay Ford married the former Martha Parke Firestone, an heiress to the Akron, Ohio, rubber fortune. Her grandfather, Harvey Firestone, was a close friend of Henry Ford.

The team says William Clay Ford Jr. remains in his role as vice chairman of the Lions.