Lions ownership passes to Ford’s widow Martha

The Ford Motor Company is flying its flags at half-mast in honor of William Clay Ford. (Getty Images)

With the death this weekend of Lions owner William Clay Ford, the team on Monday addressed the succession of ownership now that the man who's run the team for the past 50 years is gone.

According to a statement released by the organization, “Pursuant to long-established succession plans, Mr. Ford's controlling interest in the Lions passes to [his widow] 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.”

Ford's son, William Clay Ford Jr., will remain as the team's vice chairman. As the Detroit Free Press notes, he's held that role since 1995.

Regarding Martha Ford, mlive.com writes, "She is not expected to be heavily involved in the family's daily football operation, though her inheritance of the Lions ensures the team stays in the family."

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Jets release WR Santonio Holmes after four years in New York



The New York Jets announced Monday that they will release Santonio Holmes saving the team more than eight million on the 2014 salary cap. The 30 year old receiver has played only one full season for the Jets and has seen his numbers steadily decline since joining the team.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:107%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}



Considering how much the Jets were paying for Holmes and how little production they were getting, this move surprises no one. Between injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, Holmes never lived up to the five year 45 million dollar contract he signed after being traded by the Steelers. His best season with the team was 2010 when he caught 52 balls for 746 yards.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:107%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}With the many wide receiver vacancies in the NFL, Holmes will likely find a home for a one or two year deal in 2014, assuming he is willing to play for a much less money.Considering the lack of talent the Jets have at receiver, expect them to target one (or more) of the big names in the upcoming draft.