Rod Wood
Rod Wood | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rod Wood 1957 or 1958 (age 66–67) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan-Flint; ABA Graduate School of Commercial Banking |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | President of the Detroit Lions |
Rod Wood is an American businessman and football executive. He is currently the president for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).[1][2]
Professional career
[edit]Previous to being hired as the president of the Detroit Lions, Wood was a close associate of the Ford family that owns the team, and worked as the president and CEO of the Ford Estates.[3]
Detroit Lions
[edit]Wood was signed with the Detroit Lions as a team president on Nov 19, 2015.[4] Wood attended University of Michigan-Flint and the ABA Graduate School of Commercial Banking. On accepting the appointment, Wood stated that he was "not qualified to run any other NFL team", a statement that led some critics of his hiring to label him as unqualified for the job of running the Lions.[5][6] Wood has refused to give up the Detroit Lions's traditional Thanksgiving game despite pressure from other NFL teams.[7] The NFL announced the Lions and the City of Detroit will host the April 2024 NFL Draft.
Stadium Upgrade
[edit]In February 2017, Wood unveiled plans for the first major renovation to the Detroit Lions’ home stadium, Ford Field, since it opened in 2002. The $100 million investment incorporated a complete overhaul of the audio and visual experience that features new videoboards as well as a new state-of-the-art sound system.[8] The stadium’s premium spaces also received a complete makeover with expanded offerings to fans. Wood has also discussed adding a retractable roof to the field to attract MLS teams to play there.[9] An entire new playing surface was installed at Ford Field in spring 2023.
References
[edit]- ^ Birkett, David (November 29, 2019). "New Lions president takes unique path to front office". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Maakaron, John (October 16, 2019). "Lions President Rod Wood Has Spoken to League about Officiating Woes". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ SI WIRE (November 19, 2015). "Detroit Lions hire Rod Wood as new team president". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Katzenstein, Jon (November 19, 2015). "Lions name Rod Wood team president". Detroit News. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Chirco, Vito (November 24, 2015). "Hiring Wood is another bad decision by the Lions". Vintage Detroit. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Alper, Josh (November 20, 2015). "Rod Wood: I'm not qualified to run other teams, I am qualified to run Lions". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Birkett, Dave (February 22, 2019). "Rod Wood: Detroit Lions will never give up Thanksgiving game". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Nagl, Kurt (July 19, 2017). "$100 million Ford Field upgrades to be done by Aug. 1 — minus playoff banners". Crain's Detroit. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Stoia, George (July 16, 2018). "Detroit Lions president: We're looking at Ford Field retractable roof". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 29, 2019.