Who are Martha Firestone Ford Parents? Meet Harvey S. Firestone, Jr and Elizabeth Parke Firestone

Who is Martha Firestone Ford?

Martha Firestone Ford is a prominent American businesswoman and philanthropist who gained widespread recognition for her role as the principal owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions, a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 16, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, Martha Firestone Ford is a member of the renowned Firestone family, known for their significant contributions to the tire manufacturing industry.

Martha Ford's involvement with the Detroit Lions began in 1963 when her late husband, William Clay Ford Sr., purchased the team. After his passing in 2014, Martha Ford assumed the role of principal owner, making her one of the few female owners in the NFL. Her leadership brought a fresh perspective to the organization, emphasizing community engagement, and she became known for her hands-on approach to team management.

Under Martha Ford's ownership, the Detroit Lions made various efforts to improve their performance, investing in state-of-the-art training facilities and coaching staff. Additionally, she actively participated in philanthropic activities, contributing to various causes in the Detroit area, including education and healthcare.

Martha Firestone Ford Age

As of now, Martha Firestone Ford is 98 years old (born 16 September 1925). As a member of the prominent Firestone family, Martha has been known for her contributions to various philanthropic causes and her significant involvement in the business and sports world. While she relinquished her role as principal owner of the Detroit Lions, a professional NFL team, in 2020, her legacy continues to influence the franchise and the community it serves. Martha Firestone Ford's age and birthplace are integral aspects of her life story, representing a lifelong journey of dedication to her family, her community, and the sports world. Her enduring commitment to philanthropy and her family's legacy underscores her remarkable life journey, which has left a lasting impact on both the business and sports realms.

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Martha Firestone Ford Nationality

Martha Firestone Ford is an American citizen by nationality. She was born on September 16, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, USA. Being born and raised in the United States, she holds American citizenship, which is a reflection of her legal status and allegiance to the country. Throughout her life, Martha Firestone Ford has been an active and engaged member of American society. Her notable contributions in business, philanthropy, and sports have exemplified her dedication to her country. As the principal owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions, an NFL team, she played a pivotal role in the American sports landscape.

Martha Firestone Ford Career

Martha Firestone Ford was a businesswoman and philanthropist who served as the principal owner of the Detroit Lions from 2014 until her death in 2023. She was one of only four female team owners or co-owners in the National Football League (NFL) at the time.

Ford was born Martha Firestone in Akron, Ohio, in 1925. She was the granddaughter of Harvey Firestone, the founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. She met her future husband, William Clay Ford Jr., in high school, and they married in 1947.

Ford's husband was the son of William Clay Ford Sr., the grandson of Henry Ford, and the co-owner of the Ford Motor Company. In 1963, William Clay Ford Sr. purchased the Detroit Lions for $4.5 million. Ford and her husband were active supporters of the team, and she often attended games and team events.

In 2014, William Clay Ford Sr. died at the age of 88. Ford inherited his majority ownership stake in the Lions, and she became the principal owner of the team. She was 89 years old at the time, making her the oldest owner in the NFL. Ford was a hands-on owner. She attended team practices and games, and she met regularly with the coaching staff and front office. She was also involved in the team's community outreach efforts.

In 2016, Ford fired the Lions' general manager and head coach after the team finished the season with a 9-7 record. She hired new executives and coaches, and she oversaw a major rebuild of the team. Under Ford's ownership, the Lions made the playoffs in 2016 and 2017. However, they did not win a Super Bowl during her tenure.