Allen Park, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Martha Ford, the widow of William Clay Ford Sr., will take over controlling interest of the Detroit Lions, the team announced Monday.
Ford Sr. died of pneumonia Sunday morning at the age of 88. He purchased the Lions on Nov. 22, 1963 for $4.5 million and owned the team until his death.
"Pursuant to long-established succession plans, Mr. Ford's controlling interest in Lions passes to Mrs. Martha Ford. She and her four children will continue to be involved in the ownership of the franchise, as they have during Mr. Ford's tenure," the team said in a statement.
Bill Ford Jr. will remain the team's vice chairman, the role he has held since 1995.
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