Meet the Powerful: A List of NFL Owners
Hello, sports enthusiasts! Today, we're going to take a peek behind the scenes of America's favorite sport, the National Football League (NFL), and introduce you to the influential individuals who make it all happen. So, grab a seat, and let's dive into our list of NFL owners! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and list of nfl owners.
The Bigwigs: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the list, let's talk about the power dynamics at play. The NFL is made up of 32 teams, each with its own owner. These owners have a significant say in how the league is run, as they make up the NFL's ownership group, the NFL Owners' Club.
The Billionaires' Club: Our List of NFL Owners
Alright, guys, let's not beat around the bush any longer. Here's our list of NFL owners, served up with a side of fun facts and trivia!
Arizona Cardinals - Michael Bidwill
Kicking off our list is Michael Bidwill, the owner of the Arizona Cardinals. The Bidwill family has been involved with the team since 1932, making them one of the most tenured NFL families. Michael, the current president and CEO of the team, took over from his father, Bill Bidwill, in 2009.
Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Blank
Next up, we have Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons. Blank is also the co-founder of The Home Depot, a major home improvement retailer. He purchased the Falcons in 2002, and under his ownership, the team has seen significant improvements, both on and off the field.
Baltimore Ravens - Steve Bisciotti
Steve Bisciotti, the owner of the Baltimore Ravens, is a self-made billionaire. He founded Aerotek, a staffing agency, and then sold it to Allegis Group. Bisciotti purchased the Ravens in 2004, and since then, the team has won two Super Bowls.
Buffalo Bills - Terry Pegula
Terry Pegula, the owner of the Buffalo Bills, is a bit of a newcomer to the NFL Owners' Club, having purchased the team in 2014. Pegula is also the owner of the Buffalo Sabres (NHL) and has a net worth of over $4 billion.
Carolina Panthers - David Tepper
David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, is a hedge fund manager and billionaire. He purchased the team in 2018, making him the first Jewish owner in the NFL. Tepper is also the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers' rival, the Carolina Panthers.
Chicago Bears - George McCaskey
George McCaskey, the current president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, is a member of the McCaskey family, which has owned the team since 1921. He took over from his uncle, Ed McCaskey, in 2011.
Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Brown
Mike Brown, the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, is the son of the team's founder, Paul Brown. He has been the owner since 1991 and has faced criticism for the team's lack of success during his tenure.
Cleveland Browns - Jimmy Haslam
Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, is also the CEO of Pilot Flying J, a travel center chain. He purchased the Browns in 2012 and has since been trying to turn the team's fortunes around.
Dallas Cowboys - Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is a polarizing figure in the NFL. He purchased the team in 1989 and has since turned it into the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Jones is also the team's general manager, a role that has drawn criticism from some.
Denver Broncos - Rob Walton
Rob Walton, the owner of the Denver Broncos, is the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton. He purchased the team in 2022, making him the first minority owner in the NFL.
Detroit Lions - Sheila Ford Hamp
Sheila Ford Hamp, the owner of the Detroit Lions, is the first woman to own an NFL team. She took over from her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, in 2020.
Green Bay Packers - The Green Bay Packers, Inc.
The Green Bay Packers are the only non-profit, community-owned team in the NFL. The team is owned by the Green Bay Packers, Inc., a holding company that is made up of over 360,000 shareholders.
Houston Texans - Cal McNair
Cal McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans, is the son of the team's founder, Bob McNair. He took over from his father in 2018, following his death.
Indianapolis Colts - Jim Irsay
Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is the son of the team's former owner, Robert Irsay. He took over from his mother, Carolyn, in 1997.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Shad Khan
Shad Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is an engineer and billionaire businessman. He purchased the team in 2011 and has since been trying to turn it into a contender.
Kansas City Chiefs - Clark Hunt
Clark Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, is the son of the team's founder, Lamar Hunt. He took over from his father in 2006 and has since overseen two Super Bowl wins.
Las Vegas Raiders - Mark Davis
Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is the son of the team's former owner, Al Davis. He took over from his mother, Carol, in 2011 and has since moved the team from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Los Angeles Chargers - Dean Spanos
Dean Spanos, the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, is the son of the team's founder, Alex Spanos. He took over from his father in 2008 and has since moved the team from San Diego to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams - Stan Kroenke
Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, is a billionaire businessman and real estate developer. He purchased the team in 2010 and has since moved it from St. Louis to Los Angeles.
Miami Dolphins - Stephen Ross
Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, is a real estate developer and billionaire. He purchased the team in 2008 and has since been trying to turn it into a contender.
Minnesota Vikings - Zygi Wilf
Zygi Wilf, the owner of the Minnesota Vikings, is a real estate developer and billionaire. He purchased the team in 2005 and has since overseen the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium.
New England Patriots - Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He purchased the team in 1994 and has since won six Super Bowls.
New Orleans Saints - Gayle Benson
Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, is the widow of the team's former owner, Tom Benson. She took over from her husband in 2018.
New York Giants - John Mara & Steve Tisch
The New York Giants are owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch, who are co-owners of the team. Mara is the son of the team's former owner, Wellington Mara, while Tisch is a film producer.
New York Jets - Woody Johnson
Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, is a billionaire businessman and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He purchased the team in 2000.
Philadelphia Eagles - Jeffrey Lurie
Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, is a film producer and billionaire. He purchased the team in 1994 and has since won one Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Art Rooney II
Art Rooney II, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is the grandson of the team's founder, Art Rooney. He took over from his father, Dan Rooney, in 2008.
San Francisco 49ers - Jed York
Jed York, the owner of the San Francisco 49ers, is the grandson of the team's founder, Edward DeBartolo Jr. He took over from his uncle, John York, in 2009.
Seattle Seahawks - Jody Allen
Jody Allen, the owner of the Seattle Seahawks, is the sister of the team's former owner, Paul Allen. She took over from her brother in 2018.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bryan Glazer
Bryan Glazer, the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a co-chairman of the team, alongside his brothers Joel and Edward. The Glazer family purchased the team in 1995.
Tennessee Titans - Amy Adams Strunk
Amy Adams Strunk, the owner of the Tennessee Titans, is the daughter of the team's former owner, Bud Adams. She took over from her father in 2013.
Washington Commanders - Daniel Snyder
Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Commanders, is a billionaire businessman and the founder of Six Flags. He purchased the team in 1999.
The Power Dynamics: How NFL Owners Make Decisions
As we've mentioned, NFL owners have a significant say in how the league is run. The NFL Owners' Club makes decisions through a voting process, with each team getting one vote. Some of the most important decisions that NFL owners make include:
Rule changes: NFL owners can propose and vote on rule changes that affect the game of football. Expansion and relocation: NFL owners can vote to expand the league or allow teams to relocate to new cities. Coaching hires and firings: NFL owners have the final say on who the head coach of their team is. Player contracts: NFL owners can influence player contracts through the salary cap and collective bargaining agreements.
The Controversies: When NFL Owners Make Waves
While many NFL owners are content to stay behind the scenes, others have made headlines for their controversial actions. Here are a few examples:
Jerry Jones' power struggle with Roger Goodell: The Dallas Cowboys owner has been locked in a power struggle with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for years, with the two clashing over a variety of issues, including player protests and the league's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Snyder's handling of the Washington Football Team's name: The Washington Commanders owner has been criticized for his handling of the team's name, which was changed from the Redskins to the Football Team in 2020 amid pressure from sponsors and the public. * Robert Kraft's legal troubles: The New England Patriots owner was charged with soliciting prostitution in 2019, which led to a public relations