Woodson Withdraws from Browns Ownership Amid Alcohol Brand Conflict

Former NFL player Charles Woodson will not proceed with purchasing a 0.1 percent ownership stake in the Cleveland Browns. This decision follows a conflict with NFL regulations concerning owners' involvement in alcohol product promotion.

Background

Woodson had previously been approved to acquire the minority stake in the franchise, with the transaction expected in May 2025. However, the deal did not finalize.

Reason for Withdrawal

Woodson informed Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports that he opted to retain his name's association with his alcohol brand, a decision that precluded his ownership role with the Browns.

"I thought I was going to be a proud owner of the Browns but it wasn’t able to happen because I wasn’t able to take my name off of my product. It’s what made the product. It’s how I started so I wasn’t able to do that."

NFL Regulations

NFL rules prohibit team owners from utilizing their names, images, or likenesses for the promotion of alcohol products.

Browns' Statement

The Cleveland Browns issued a statement to Front Office Sports, stating, "We respect the decision by Charles and wish him well."