In a twist that feels fitting for the Cleveland Browns’ long, winding history, Charles Woodson’s highly publicized move to join the team’s ownership group has quietly come to a halt. Less than a year after the Hall of Fame defensive back and Ohio native was announced as a limited partner, Woodson revealed during Super Bowl Week that he ultimately chose to walk away from the deal - opting instead to stay fully committed to his liquor brand.
Let’s rewind. Back in May 2025, Woodson was introduced as the Browns' first minority owner under Jimmy Haslam’s tenure. It was a headline-making moment - not just because of Woodson’s football résumé, which includes a Heisman Trophy, a Super Bowl ring, and a bust in Canton, but also because of what it symbolized: a homegrown legend investing in a franchise that has long searched for stability and star power in its front office.
The Browns’ ownership group, led by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, didn’t hold back in their praise at the time. They highlighted Woodson’s legacy on the field and his entrepreneurial drive off of it, calling him a perfect cultural and strategic fit for the organization. Woodson echoed that sentiment, calling the opportunity “among my greatest honors” and expressing excitement about helping shape the Browns’ future.
But after that initial burst of excitement, things got quiet. As the 2025 season got underway, there was no sign of Woodson in the owner’s box, on the sidelines, or even on the team’s website under its list of partners. The original press release remained online, but his name was absent from all other official mentions - a curious omission for someone who was supposedly part of the ownership group.
Now, we have some clarity. Speaking with Front Office Sports during Super Bowl Week, Woodson confirmed that he made the decision to step away from the deal, prioritizing his liquor brand over a stake in the Browns. While the team acknowledged his decision with a brief statement - “We respect the decision by Charles and wish him well” - they didn’t offer any additional details.
There had been early indications that Woodson’s business interests might complicate things. Like Tom Brady with the Raiders, any media personality or business owner with a stake in an NFL team must navigate strict league rules. In Woodson’s case, that reportedly included removing his name and image from his liquor company - a significant branding shift for a business closely tied to his identity.
It’s unclear whether that requirement ultimately proved too steep, or if other factors played into the decision. What we do know is that after a year-long process and a public announcement, the deal never reached the finish line.
For the Browns, it’s a missed opportunity to bring in a respected football mind with deep Ohio roots and a national profile. For Woodson, it’s a reminder that ownership - even a minority stake - comes with strings attached, especially in a league as tightly controlled as the NFL.
In the end, Woodson chose to stay in full control of his brand rather than take on a role that might have limited his freedom. It’s not the ending many expected when the partnership was first announced, but it brings closure to a story that had been lingering in the background all season.