From Hap Klopp and his amazing journey with North Face to Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Group’s longevity, there are some inspirational stories associated with some highly respected businessmen. Some of these high-net-worth individuals have also ventured into other areas of business, including the NFL.
As one of the biggest and most lucrative sporting competitions around, owning an NFL franchise is a highly beneficial experience for many business people. For fans who make their fantasy picks and assess any NFL odds for Week 2, they perhaps aren’t always aware of each team’s wealthy backer and the people who essentially set the foundations for potential triumphs.
So, without further ado, below we highlight some of the NFL’s most respected owners.
Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys)
With five titles to their name, the Dallas Cowboys are up there with the likes of the Patriots and the Steelers as one of the most successful NFL franchises ever. Jerry Jones is the man behind their success, although he’ll undoubtedly want to see more magical triumphs in the future after spending $140 million to buy the team back in 1989. While it hasn’t always been filled with joyous moments and world-class performances, Jones, who is an oil baron, will be optimistic heading into the new campaign.
Kim and Terry Pegula (Buffalo Bills)
Boasting one of the most iconic logos in the entire competition, the Buffalo Bills are a historic NFL team steeped in tradition. That’s clearly one of the many reasons why the couple Kim and Terry Pegula decided to purchase the franchise in 2014, with the co-owners building the franchise up from its home base in Buffalo. With big plans in place, the pair look set to turn the Bills into a formidable NFL side once again.
Sheila Ford Hamp (Detroit Lions)
A team backed by the likes of iconic rap star Eminem, Sheila Ford Hamp is the lady behind the Detroit Lions. As one of just 10 female owners in the entire league, she’s aiming to come out on top this season and beyond after inheriting the side from her mother, Martha Firestone Ford. An inspirational woman for so many ambitious female professionals out there, the Detroit Lions are lucky to have Sheila Ford Hamp.
Clark Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs)
The Hunt family has played a key role in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs. Not only did Lamar Hunt found the team in 1960 when they were known as the Dallas Texans, but he also rebranded the franchise for the people of Kansas City. Now, with son Clark Hunt overseeing things, the Chiefs are a key part of the Hunt family.
Michael Bidwill (Arizona Cardinals)
Despite never getting their hands on the Super Bowl trophy, Michael Bidwill is still investing large sums of money into helping the Arizona Cardinals finally do it. After inheriting the team from his father Bill in 2019, Michael Bidwill is hoping to lead the franchise into new territory and build on his family’s legacy which stems back to 1933, when his grandfather first purchased the franchise. A steep challenge awaits, but Michael Bidwill is clearly in it for the long haul.
Shahid Khan (Jacksonville Jaguars)
While his ownership of the team hasn’t always resulted in rave reviews from fans, Shahid Khan is the face of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Also an owner of Premier League soccer club Fulham, Khan bought the Jaguars in 2011 with the aim of leading the team to their first-ever Super Bowl. However, he hasn’t managed to achieve that feat yet, but there’s every possibility that we could see it in the future.