Not long ago, it was announced by Detroit Lions Team President and CEO Rod Wood that he would be retiring, but that he would be staying on the job until his official successor was named.
Wood joined the Lions after spending three decades working in finance and wealth management, and also spent 10 years functioning as the head of Ford Estates, the Ford family office.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Lions showed their respect for the outgoing executive with a long-lasting message they all wore.
The Detroit Lions Honored Outgoing Team President And CEO Rod Wood With Special Shirts During The 2026 NFL Draft
On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, head coach Dan Campbell and several other members of the staff wore t-shirts depicting Wood in his Goodrich High School basketball uniform.
“So, obviously, Rod’s last draft. We wanted to do something special,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes. “We were a little nervous about how he was going to react. But, you know, the high school basketball photo, I thought it was pretty cool. I thought he handled it pretty well, actually.”
“Rod’s done so many special things for everybody else, whether it was my jersey last year or Dan’s jersey. That was really cool to be able to do something cool for him because he definitely deserves a lot more than this because of all the great things that he’s done for our organization.”
At the NFL owner’s meeting, Wood spoke about his decisions to call it a career given the point he was approaching in his life.
“I’m going to be 66 this summer,” Wood said at NFL owners meetings. “There is a time to move on and a time to focus on the rest of whatever I have with my family and friends. It just feels right. I think the organization is ready for a transition — got good leadership in place, a really good football team in place, and it seems like the right time to hand in the baton.”
Rod Wood Announced His Impending Retirement In February
Wood, who has been with the team for over a decade now, announced in February that he intended to retire.
“I want to thank the Ford Family and ultimately Lions fans everywhere for trusting me to lead the Detroit Lions for the last 11 seasons,” said Wood. “It has been an absolute thrill for me to lead this organization, and I am proud of what we have accomplished over that decade-plus. I am most proud of where I am leaving this organization, in the capable hands of Sheila Hamp, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.”
“The entire Ford family would like to thank Rod for his dedication and commitment to the Detroit Lions and the city of Detroit,” said Sheila Hamp, Detroit Lions Principal Owner and Chair. “Rod has been a trusted advisor and passionate leader for our organization and the entire NFL during that time and has prepared our organization for a promising future. While Rod will be missed, we are excited to work with Russell Reynolds Associates to find the next dynamic leader of our business.”
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