Sheila Ford Hamp


Sheila Firestone Ford Hamp is the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions and had been the vice chairperson since 2014. She succeeded her mother Martha Firestone Ford on June 23 2020. She graduated from Yale University in 1973 where she played varsity tennis. Hamp has an MA in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University. Hamp serves on the NFL’s Super Bowl and Major Events Committee.

Early life and education

Sheila Ford was born to parents William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford in 1951. She earned a bachelor's degree from Yale in 1973, where she was among the first class that included women. She received a master's degree in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University.

Tennis

Ford competed in tennis while at Yale and won a Michigan state championship in high school.

Detroit Lions management role

Ford Hamp has been involved in the management of the Detroit Lions since 2014 when her mother took over the team. In 2015, Ford Hamp was involved in the decision to fire Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew. In 2019, she was involved in the retention of general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia. In 2020, Ford Hamp took over from her mother as principal owner.

Personal life

Ford Hamp is married to Steve Hamp and lives with her husband and three children in Ann Arbor.