• The NFL is one of the biggest businesses in the world.
• Jerry Jones' Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports team in the world, valued at $10.1 billion.
• Kansas City Chiefs co-owner Clark Hunt is hoping for his team's third Super Bowl victory in a row.

The NFL is one of the biggest businesses in the world, accounting for 29 of Forbes' top 50 sporting franchises.

And while star players and coaches are certainly deserving of credit for that fact, it's often the owners who are responsible for the key decisions made by their franchise.

Kansas City Chiefs co-owner and CEO Clark Hunt hired head coach Andy Reid in 2013; the Chiefs have since won three Super Bowls and are after their fourth. Likewise, Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp hired head coach Dan Campbell in 2021; last season, the team made its first NFC Championship appearance since 1991.

But for every good decision, there are some questionable ones. Led by owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, the New York Giants have been criticized for the decision to let go of running back Saquon Barkley, who now leads the league in rushing yards with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Owners are judged not only by their fanbases, but players, too. In February 2024, the NFL Players Association released its second annual club report cards, based on a survey completed by 1,706 active players.

One of the categories players were surveyed about is ownership, which was graded based on how willing players believe an owner is to invest in the team's facilities. Each owner was given a letter grade ranging from an F- (0-49) to an A+ (97-100), which are included below.

Now, as eight teams continue to fight for a shot at the Lombardi trophy, here's everything you need to know about the NFL team owners, from how they became owners, to their NFLPA grade, to how the team's performed during their tenure.

Arizona Cardinals: Michael Bidwill

Michael Bidwill is a third-generation owner of the Arizona Cardinals, having inherited the team after the death of his father, Bill Bidwill, in 2019. Forbes estimated in 2015 that the family had a net worth of $1.4 billion.

The Cardinals were originally purchased by Michael Bidwill's grandfather Charles in 1933 for $50,000 — now, they're worth $4.3 billion, making them tied with the Phoenix Suns for the 50th most valuable sports team in the world, per Forbes.

Under Michael Bidwill's leadership, the team has made just one wild-card playoff appearance, which they lost in 2021, and he was given an F by the NFL Player's Association, though the report said the rating was "significantly higher than last year given some of the upgrades," like getting new equipment in the weight room and providing a daycare and small family room.

Meanwhile, a November 2023 investigation by ESPN detailed a number of workplace misconduct allegations from current and former Cardinals employees. Bidwill told the outlet in a statement the team has "worked hard over the last several years to improve our culture across the board," adding, "We have more to do and, as I have said to every member of the Cardinals organization, that includes my own work to grow and improve as a leader."

The Cardinals did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Blank

The Home Depot cofounder Arthur Blank, who Forbes estimates is worth $9.2 billion, purchased the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 for $545 million, famously writing the agreement on a cloth napkin during a December 2001 meeting with seller Taylor Smith. The sale was finalized just a couple months later in February 2002.

Under Blank's leadership, the Falcons have had nine winning seasons, including eight playoff berths and an appearance at Super Bowl LI in 2017. Blank also built Mercedes-Benz Stadium and was named the 2021 Sports Philanthropist of the Year by ESPN. He was given an A- ranking by the NFLPA.

Per Forbes, the Falcons are the 29th most valuable sports team in the world, worth $5.2 billion.

Baltimore Ravens: Steve Bisciotti

At 64, Allegis Group founder Steve Bisciotti, who Forbes estimates has a net worth of $7.5 billion, is one of the youngest owners in the NFL. He bought a minority stake from previous owner Art Modell in 2000 and completed his purchase in April 2004, spending a total of $600 million, ESPN reported at the time.

"We're proud of what we're giving to Baltimore. You have to make the playoffs to have the opportunity to compete for championships, and championships are our goal. We want to be a consistent winner that avoids big lulls and not being in the playoffs for any length of time," Bisciotti has said.

The Ravens have won two Super Bowls under Bisciotti (2000 and 2012) and are one of the most consistent teams in the league, with the fourth-most postseason victories from 2008 to 2023.

Forbes valued the team at $5 billion, making it tied with Bayern Munich for the 34th most valuable team in the world. Bisciotti was given an A ranking by the NFLPA.

And with two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm, they're poised to make yet another deep run in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills: Terry Pegula

In October 2014, energy billionaire Terry Pegula, who now has an estimated net worth of $7.6 billion, purchased the Buffalo Bills with his wife, Kim Pegula, for $1.4 billion cash, outbidding the likes of Donald Trump and Jon Bon Jovi.

In December 2024, Terry Pegula and the Bills added 10 limited partners to the team's ownership group, described as "non-controlling, minority interests." Some of these partners include former US National Team soccer player Jozy Altidore and former NBA players Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.

The diversification of ownership comes after Kim Pegula was declared legally incapacitated in March 2023 following a brain injury sustained during cardiac arrest in June 2022. Kim Pegula is still listed as a coowner by the Bills organization, but her duties as president have been assumed by Terry Pegula, who maintains the titles of co-owner, CEO, and president.

During the Pegulas' tenure, the Bills have become a formidable team, with seven playoff appearances, including the 2020 AFC Championship. The Pegulas also own the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL.

In August 2024, Forbes reported that the Bills are worth $4.2 billion— making them the 30th most valuable NFL team and falling just outside the world's top 50 highest-valued franchises. Pegula was given an A- in ownership by the NFLPA.

Terry and Kim Pegula are the parents of WTA No. 6 player Jessica Pegula.

Carolina Panthers: David Tepper

Billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist David Tepper purchased the Carolina Panthers in 2018 for $2.275 billion, ESPN reported. Tepper has an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion, according to Forbes.

"I am thrilled to begin this new era of Carolina Panthers football and am humbled by the overwhelming excitement and support for the team," Tepper said at the time.

But the team has had no winning seasons in the last seven years. Still, it was valued at $4.5 billion, making it the 45th most valuable team in the world, according to Forbes.

Tepper was given a D in ownership by the NFLPA; in the report card, players expressed frustration over the stadium's use of synthetic turf rather than natural grass. Business Insider reached out to the Panthers for comment.

Still, sophomore quarterback Bryce Young showed increasing promise as the season progressed, leading to some much-needed hope for the future in Charlotte.

Chicago Bears: Virginia Halas McCaskey

At 102 years old, Virginia Halas McCaskey is the oldest and longest-tenured team owner in the NFL.

She inherited the team in 1983 after the death of her father, Hall of Famer and Bears founder George Halas Sr. In 2015, Forbes estimated the McCaskey family had a net worth of $1.3 billion.

Under her ownership, Halas McCaskey has seen the Bears appear in four NFC Championships, going to Super Bowl XLI in 2007 and winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. However, the team has struggled in recent years, finishing the 2024 season 5-12.

Still, the Chicago Bears are the 15th most valuable sports team in the world, worth $6.4 billion, according to Forbes; and, Halas McCaskey earned a B+ in ownership from the NFLPA.

Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Brown

Mike Brown inherited the Cincinnati Bengals in 1991 after the death of his father, Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown.

Paul Brown founded the Bengals in 1967 after cofounding and coaching the Cleveland Browns (who yes, bear his name) for more than a decade.

In 2011, the Brown family purchased the remaining 30 percent of the team they didn't own for $200 million cash to become the sole owners of the Bengals, the NFL reported, citing Forbes. Mike Brown and his family have an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, according to Forbes.

Mike Brown serves as the Bengals' principal owner and is president of the team. After decades of struggle, the Bengals have found success in recent years thanks in part to quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who led the team to Super Bowl LVI in 2021, losing 23-20 to the LA Rams.

Mike Brown was given a C+ ownership rating by the NFLPA.

Cleveland Browns: Jimmy and Dee Haslam

Former CEO of the Pilot Company Jimmy Haslam and his wife, Dee Haslam, purchased a 70 percent stake in the Cleveland Browns in 2012 from Randy Lerner for $1 billion. Jimmy Haslam has an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Since the Haslams took over, the Browns have had just two winning seasons, in 2020 and 2023.

They were given a B ownership rating by the NFLPA and, per Forbes, the team is worth $5.15 billion, making it the 30th most valuable franchise in the world.

Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones is the man behind the most valuable sports franchise in the world — the Dallas Cowboys — worth $10.1 billion, per Forbes.

That's more than 72 times what Jones paid for the team in 1989. (He paid H.R. Bright $140 million.) He now has an estimated net worth of $17.2 billion, per Forbes.

In the decades that followed, the Cowboys have won three Super Bowls (1992, 1993, and 1995) but they haven't made it beyond the divisional round of playoffs since.

Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 — the 15th owner to receive such an award — and was given a B in ownership by the NFLPA in 2024.

Denver Broncos: Greg Penner

In August 2022, the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group purchased the Denver Broncos from the Pat Bowlen Trust for $4.65 billion, the NFL reported.

The controlling ownership designation was transferred from Rob Walton — heir to the Walmart fortune — to his son-in-law, Broncos CEO Greg Penner (who's married to Carrie Walton Penner), in October 2023. Rob Walton and his family have an estimated net worth of $109.8 billion, per Forbes.

Penner oversaw the hiring of Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who, alongside rookie quarterback Bo Nix, took the team to its first playoff game since its Super-Bowl-winning 2016 season.

The Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the 22nd most valuable sports team in the world, with a worth of $5.5 billion, according to Forbes.

The Walton-Penner family was given an A ownership ranking by the NFLPA.

Detroit Lions: Sheila Ford Hamp

Sheila Ford Hamp became the principal owner and chair of the Detroit Lions in June 2020, after inheriting the team from her mother, Martha Firestone Ford.

Firestone Ford had previously taken over the team in 2014 after the death of her husband, Bill Ford Sr., who'd purchased the Lions in 1963 for $6 million. In 2015, Forbes estimated the Ford family had a net worth of $2 billion.

Under Sheila Ford Hamp's leadership, the Lions have entered an unprecedented era of success thanks in large part to her hires, GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.

Last season, the team made its first NFC Championship appearance since 1991, and now, as the NFC's No. 1 seed, the team will be looking to improve upon last year's success as they strive for the city's first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Sheila Ford Hamp was given a B- in ownership in February 2024 by the NFLPA.

Green Bay Packers: Publicly owned

The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned team in the NFL.

Fans have owned the franchise for more than a century and there have only been six stock offerings, the most recent being in 2021 with stocks worth $300. Per the Packers, the franchise is owned by more than 539,000 people who own more than 5.2 million shares.

The Packers are the 20th most valuable sports team in the world, worth $5.6 billion, according to Forbes, and they were given an A in ownership by the NFLPA.

And if you're wondering how the team is actually run: It's governed by an unpaid board of directors and a seven-member executive committee.

Houston Texans: Cal McNair

In 1999, the Houston Texans were founded by Janice and Bob McNair. When Bob McNair died in 2018, ownership was transferred to Janice. Then, in March 2024, it was transferred to their son, Cal McNair, via a vote. Per Forbes, Janice McNair and the family have an estimated net worth of $6.2 billion.

Cal McNair had already been serving as the team's chair and CEO since July 2018 and January 2019, respectively.

"It's an exciting time to be a Houston Texan and I'm honored to lead this franchise. This move ensures the long-term stability of our franchise and we will continue to operate the way we have been over the last couple of years, pursuing a championship for the City of Houston while doing great things in the community and for our fans," Cal McNair said in a statement.

The Texans finished the 2024 regular season 10-7 and defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. They will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoff round on January 18.

Forbes reported that the Texans are the eighth most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth $6.1 billion. Janice McNair was given a B+ ownership rating by the NFLPA in February 2024.

Indianapolis Colts: Jim Irsay

Jim Irsay has been the principal owner of the Indianapolis Colts since 1997, when he inherited the team from his father, Robert Irsay, at just 37 years old. Yet, Jim Irsay's time with the Colts began long before that, as he worked in everything from ticket sales and public relations to football operations before becoming the team's GM in 1983 at 24 years old. He now serves as the team's owner, chairman, and CEO, and has an estimated net worth of $4.8 billion.

Robert Irsay originally purchased the team — then known as the Baltimore Colts — in 1972 for $12 million. He moved the team to Indianapolis in 1984.

Under Jim Irsay's leadership, the Colts have won 10 divisional championships, made two Super Bowl appearances, one of which they won in 2007.

The Colts are the 40th most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth $4.8 billion, and Irsay was given a C in ownership by the NFLPA.

In 2014, he was arrested on a DUI charge and later pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which led to a six-game suspension and $500,000 fine from the NFL. In a 2023 interview on "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," Irsay said he was "prejudiced against" because he's a "rich, white billionaire."

Jacksonville Jaguars: Shahid "Shad" Khan

Shahid "Shad" Khan, who now has an estimated net worth of $13.3 billion, purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars from Wayne Weaver in November 2011 for $770 million. The sale was finalized in January 2012.

The Jaguars have struggled throughout Khan's leadership, having made the playoffs just twice. Still, he was given an A in ownership by the NFLPA and the team is worth $4.6 billion, making it tied with the Philadelphia 76ers as the 43rd most valuable franchise in sports, according to Forbes.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Hunt family

The Kansas City Chiefs have been owned by the Hunt family since the beginning. Lamar Hunt Sr. founded the team in 1959 as the Dallas Texans, and the team was moved to Kansas City in 1963. After Lamar Hunt Sr.'s death in 2006, ownership was divided between his wife, Norma, and their four children: Clark Hunt, Sharron Hunt Munson, Daniel Hunt, and Lamar Hunt Jr. The family has an estimated net worth of $24.8 billion, per Forbes.

Clark Hunt (pictured above) became the team's CEO in 2010 and has since been responsible for team decisions. He was responsible for hiring head coach Andy Reid in 2013, now the winningest head coach in franchise history with three Super Bowl victories alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Forbes ranked the Chiefs, worth $4.85 billion, as the 39th most valuable franchise in sports.

And yet, all of the team's success didn't stop the Hunt family from receiving an F- ownership grade from the NFLPA in February 2024.

The Chiefs did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Las Vegas Raiders: Mark Davis

Mark Davis, who has an estimated net worth of $2.3 billion, per Forbes, inherited the Las Vegas Raiders (then the Oakland Raiders) in 2011 after the death of his father, Al Davis.

Al Davis originally purchased a 10% stake in the team in 1966 for $18,500 and increased his ownership to 67% before his death.

In October 2024, Mark Davis expanded the team's ownership, selling 5% to former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, 5% to Knighthead Capital Management cofounder Tom Wagner, and 0.5% to former NFL defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

The following month, Davis agreed to sell an additional 15% of the franchise, with equal stakes going to Silver Lake co-CEO and Endeavor board chairman Egon Durban and Discovery Land Company founder and chairman Michael Meldman.

Despite the changes, Davis remains the team's principal owner and was given a B+ rating by the NFLPA. The Raiders are reportedly worth $6.7 billion, making them the 11th most valuable sports team in the world.

Los Angeles Chargers: Dean Spanos

In 2018, Dean Spanos became the principal owner of the Los Angeles Chargers (previously the San Diego Chargers) after the death of his father, Alex Spanos.

The elder Spanos had owned the team since 1984, after purchasing a 60% stake for $70 million, ESPN reported. He went on to buy out minority owners' shares to own 97% of the team, which was passed on to his four children. As of 2018, the Spanos family has an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion, according to Forbes.

Dean Spanos took over daily operations as team president in 1994, and has passed along day-to-day duties to his sons, AG and John Spanos, who now work as president of business operations and president of football operations, respectively.

In October 2024, billionaire Tom Gores purchased a 27% stake in the team for $750 million.

In the last 10 seasons, the Chargers have made three playoff appearances. The team is tied with Manchester City as the 31st most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth $5.1 billion.

Spanos was given a C+ for ownership by the NFLPA.

Los Angeles Rams: Stan Kroenke

In August 2010, Stan Kroenke paid $750 million to become the principal owner of the St. Louis Rams. He had previously been a minority owner of the team, purchasing a 30% stake in 1995 and increasing it to 40% stake by 1997.

In 2016, fellow NFL owners approved Kroenke's proposal to move the Rams back to Los Angeles, and in 2021, he opened SoFi Stadium which is home to both the Rams and Chargers.

The LA Rams are now worth $7.6 billion, according to Forbes, making them the third most valuable team in sports, behind the Dallas Cowboys and the Golden State Warriors, while Kroenke himself has an estimated net worth of $16.9 billion, according to the publication.

"Stan has the vision, resources, inspiration and creativity to create the right setting for the NFL in Los Angeles," Jerry Jones has said, calling him "a valuable asset to the National Football League."

Since 2010, the Rams have made five playoff appearances, all under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022 at home at SoFi, becoming just the second team to win the Super Bowl at home.

Kroenke was given a C+ ownership rating by the NFLPA.

He also owns Premier League team Arsenal FC.

Miami Dolphins: Stephen M. Ross

In January 2009, billionaire Stephen M. Ross completed his purchase of the Miami Dolphins for a total of $1 billion (Ross has an estimated net worth of $17 billion, per Forbes). Ross had initially purchased a 50% stake in the franchise in February 2008 for $550 million, and the following January, he purchased an additional 45 percent of the team, leaving 5% to previous owner Wayne Huizenga, ESPN reported.

After his 2009 purchase, Ross said, "That is the most important thing, and the thing that drives me — creating and being part of a winning organization. There is nothing more important than that."

Today, Ross is the chairman of the board, managing general partner, and owner of the team, which is worth $6.2 billion, according to Forbes, making it the 17th most valuable franchise in sports.

The Dolphins were the highest-ranked team in the league by the NFLPA, earning scores of A- and above in all categories, including treatment of families, the locker room, weight room, training staff, head coach, and ownership. Ross himself earned an A+ ranking, one of only two coaches to receive such high praise.

Minnesota Vikings: Zygi Wilf

In June 2005, Red McCombs sold the Minnesota Vikings to brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf, their cousin Lenny Wilf, and their co-investors for $600 million. Zygi Wilf is widely reported to have an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion.

Today, Zygi Wilf is the chairman and control owner of the team, and the trio's individual stakes have never been shared, Sport Business Journal reported.

The Vikings ranked as the second-best team in the NFL, according to the NFLPA's 2024 report cards, earning A+ marks in ownership and head coach, as well as A marks in categories like the weight room, locker room, and treatment of families.

Under the Wilfs' ownership, the team opened US Bank Stadium in 2016 — the largest construction project in Minnesota state history — and made eight playoff appearances, though they haven't made it to the Super Bowl since 1976.

The Vikings are the 33rd most valuable team in sports, worth $5.05 billion, per Forbes.

New England Patriots: Robert Kraft

Robert Kraft is one of the best-known owners in the league. He purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 for $172 million and now has an estimated net worth of $11.8 billion, per Forbes.

Through the purchase, Kraft became the team's chairman and CEO and he pledged "to help bring a championship to New England."

More than 30 years later, the Patriots have become one of the most successful teams in NFL history with six Super Bowl victories from 10 appearances.

Per Forbes, the Patriots are worth $7.4 billion — more than 43 times what Kraft bought the team for — but he received a D+ ownership ranking from the NFLPA. Dissatisfaction with the weight room and training room were two examples of areas players felt Kraft could invest more in, per the report card. The Patriots did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

New Orleans Saints: Gayle Benson

In 2018, Gayle Benson inherited the New Orleans Saints from her husband, Tom Benson, after his death. She has an estimated net worth of $6.6 billion, Forbes reported.

Tom Benson had previously purchased the team in 1985 for about $70 million.

In 2021, Gayle Benson told The Times-Picayune that after her death, the succession plan is to sell the Saints and the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans (which she also owns) to a buyer that promises to keep the teams in New Orleans and donate all the proceeds to charities.

"When Tom bought this team, he didn't have a lot of money. Everything that he had, had to be given to keep the team. He worked really hard to get the Pelicans here. He sacrificed a lot. I want to make sure that we keep the teams here. I want them to stay in New Orleans forever," Benson said.

Benson was given a B+ ranking in ownership by the NFLPA and the Saints are tied with Paris Saint-Germain and the Toronto Raptors as the 47th most valuable sports franchises, worth $4.4 billion each.

New York Giants: John Mara, Steven Tisch

The New York Giants were founded in 1925 by Tim Mara and have been part of the Mara family ever since.

Team ownership was passed to Tim's sons, Jack and Wellington Mara, in 1959 and now the team is run by principal owner, CEO, and president John Mara, who took over in 2005 after his father, Wellington's, death. John Mara had already been with the organization since 1991.

However, while John Mara is listed as the team's principal owner, he's actually shared ownership with Steve Tisch since 2005.

Steve Tisch's father, Preston Robert Tisch, purchased a 50% stake in the Giants in 1991, and after his death, Steve became chairman and executive vice president.

Together, Mara and Tisch helped plan and build MetLife Stadium and the team has won two Super Bowls (2008 and 2012) under their leadership. However, the team has struggled in recent years, winning just three games this season.

Still, the Giants are the seventh most valuable team in sports, worth $7.3 billion, per Forbes, and Mara and Tisch were given a B+ ownership ranking by the NFLPA. Tisch has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, Forbes reported, while Mara reportedly has a net worth of $500 million.

New York Jets: Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson

Woody Johnson — of Johnson & Johnson lineage — purchased the New York Jets in 2000 for $635 million. Forbes estimated in 2024 that the Johnson family had a net worth of $16 billion.

The Jets have struggled under his leadership, having failed to make the playoffs for the past 14 seasons. Johnson was also recently accused of letting his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, make decisions for the organization, as reported by The Athletic and ESPN's Rich Cimini in December 2024. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also joked during a December 2024 interview with "The Pat McAfee Show" that "being released by a teenager" would be a first if he were to be let go from the Jets at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Johnson denied those claims in a January 2025 interview with the New York Post, telling the outlet they were "unsubstantiated" and that his son Brick "has no role in the organization." Johnson added, "When you're losing games, it gives people the artistic license to kind of do what they want."

When reached by Business Insider for a comment, a representative for the Jets shared the earlier comments made to the New York Post.

The Jets finished the season 5-12 and will be looking to hire a new head coach and GM after the firings of Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas. Still, the team is considered the ninth most valuable franchise in sports, worth $6.9 billion, and Johnson was given a B- ownership ranking by the NFLPA in February 2024.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jeffrey Lurie

Businessman Jeffrey Lurie purchased the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994 for $185 million. He now serves as the team's chairman and CEO; and he and his family have an estimated net worth of $5.3 billion, according to Forbes.

Under his leadership, the Eagles have made the playoffs 19 times and won one of their three Super Bowl appearances.

Lurie was given an A ranking by the NFLPA, and the team is now worth $6.6 billion, per Forbes, making it the 12th most valuable franchise in sports, alongside Real Madrid.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Arthur Rooney II, Daniel Rooney Trust

Similar to the Mara family and the Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been part of the Rooney family since 1933, when the team was founded by Art Rooney. He remained the team's chairman until his death in 1988.

After his death, his son Dan Rooney took over ownership until his death in 2017.

Now, Dan's son, Art Rooney II, is responsible for most of the franchise's stake. However, he's been an active member of the organization since 1989, when he was first on the team's board of directors. He was named president of the Steelers in 2003.

Since 2017, the Steelers have made five playoff appearances, though they've failed to get past the divisional round. Despite recent difficulties, the Steelers remain one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, with six Super Bowl wins from eight appearances.

The Steelers are the 28th most valuable team in sports, per Forbes, worth $5.3 billion. In 2015, Forbes reported that the Rooney family had an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.

However, Art Rooney II was given one of the lowest ownership rankings — an F — by the NFLPA at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Some of players' complaints about the Steelers organization included in the report card are outdated lockers in the locker room, lack of access to individualized care, and average quality weight room equipment.

The Steelers did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

San Francisco 49ers: The York family

In 1977, Edward DeBartolo Sr. paid $13 million for the San Francisco 49ers to give to his son, Edward DeBartolo Jr.

Edward DeBartolo Jr. ran the 49ers organization throughout the '80s and '90s, leading to five Super Bowl wins and securing his position in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But in 1998, DeBartolo pleaded guilty "to not reporting a bribe from a Louisiana government official," Forbes reported, so his sister, Denise DeBartolo York, took over ownership in 2001. DeBartolo Jr. was pardoned by Donald Trump in February 2020.

DeBartolo York and her husband, John York, have been cochairs of the team since then, while their son, Jed York, has been CEO since 2010.

In March 2024, ESPN reported that Jed York was moving to become the team's principal owner. "I think it's just a move from a family standpoint to just keep this team in our family for generations to come," he said, per ESPN.

Though the team hasn't won a Super Bowl since 1994, it has remained competitive. In the last six seasons, the 49ers have made four NFC Championship and two Super Bowl appearances.

The 49ers are the 10th most valuable franchise in sports, worth $6.8 billion, and the DeBartolo-York family received an A in ownership from the NFLPA. They have an estimated net worth of $6.7 billion, according to Forbes.

Seattle Seahawks: Paul G. Allen Trust, Jody Allen

The Seattle Seahawks are owned by the Paul G. Allen Estate.

Paul G. Allen was the cofounder of Microsoft alongside Bill Gates. He purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for $194 million.

Since his death in 2018, his estate has been controlled by his sister, Jody Allen. He had an estimated net worth of $20.3 billion. In July 2024, Sports Illustrated reported she is the team's principal owner and that there's a "mandate that she eventually sells the team and donates the proceeds to charitable causes" Paul Allen supported.

Other members of the Seahawks' senior leadership include president Chuck Arnold and GM John Schneider.

The Seahawks have been steady since 2018, with four playoff appearances, though they have not progressed beyond the divisional round since 2014.

The team is valued at $5.45 billion by Forbes, making it tied with the LA Dodgers for 24th most valuable sports franchise. Jody Allen was given a C+ in ownership.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Glazer Family

Ownership of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is split between the six siblings of the Glazer family: Avram Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Edward Glazer, Joel Glazer, and Kevin Glazer.

The team was purchased by their father, Malcolm Glazer, in 1995 for $192 million, and they inherited it after his death in 2014. As of 2024, the Glazer family has an estimated net worth of $10 billion.

On the Buccaneers' team site Bryan, Edward, Joel Glazer are listed as the team's cochairmen, but Joel (pictured above) is the only sibling specifically named in the NFLPA's team report card, which gave ownership a D-. One primary concern in the report is the locker room's lack of cleanliness. The Buccaneers did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls (2003 and 2021) under the Glazer family and are worth $5.4 billion, according to Forbes, making the team the 26th highest valued franchise in the world. The family also owns Premier League team Manchester United.

Tennessee Titans: Amy Adams Strunk

Amy Adams Strunk, who has an estimated net worth of $2 billion, is the controlling owner and cochair of the Tennessee Titans, having inherited the team in March 2015 after the death of her father, KS "Bud" Adams, in 2013. (Adams founded the team as the Houston Oilers in 1960.)

Since 2015, the Titans have had six winning seasons, including four playoff berths. The team struggled during the 2024 season, though, producing only three wins.

As an owner, Adams Strunk has worked to increase the team's staff by more than 150 percent and has been a key figure in getting approval for a new stadium, the Titans reported. She was awarded a B+ in ownership by the NFLPA and the team is tied with the Houston Rockets for 37th most valuable franchise, worth $4.9 billion, per Forbes.

Washington Commanders: Josh Harris

In 2023, investor Josh Harris purchased the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder for a record $6.05 billion. He made the purchase through the Harris Ownership Group, which includes limited partners like former NBA star Magic Johnson, investor David Blitzer, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

"I feel an awesome responsibility to the city of Washington," Harris said after the sale, per ESPN. "I know what I've got to do. It comes down to winning. It's on me and on our ownership group to deliver. That's what we're going to do."

Harris has an estimated net worth of $10.8 billion, per Forbes.

On Sunday, January 12, the Commanders won their first playoff game since 2006 under the leadership of head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Harris was given a B in ownership by the NFLPA after his first season with the team. The Commanders are the 16th most valuable franchise in sports, worth $6.3 billion, according to Forbes.

Drake Maye is ending his rookie season with a ring.

The 22-year-old quarterback announced on his Instagram page that he is engaged to his now-fiancée, Ann Hudson.

"Love doing life with you. Can’t wait to marry you," Maye wrote in his post.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The couple were on a beach right at the water, all alone with an umbrella, roses and a blanket to celebrate the occasion.

Both attended the University of North Carolina, and they celebrated their nine-year dating anniversary this past October.

The New England Patriots took Maye with the third overall selection, and after early struggles, he looked much better as he continued to get action on the gridiron.

Initially starting the season as the backup to Jacoby Brissett, he became the starter in Week 6 and finished with 2,276 passing yards on a 66.6 completion percentage in his dozen starts. He threw 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while gaining another 421 yards on the ground and rushing for two scores.

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Maye is not the only quarterback in the AFC East to get engaged recently. 

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills put a ring on musician Hailie Steinfeld’s finger.

The engagement is certainly a nice break from the recent drama in Pats land - after New England’s season finale, the team fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, a move that has been heavily criticized by ex-Patriots.

However, earlier this week, they made the unsurprising move and hired Mike Vrabel, who was available to be hired last offseason, as well.

Hopefully, for Pats fans, Vrabel can help Maye get his second ring - the next one being for a Super Bowl.

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In non-New England Patriots fashion, they now have their third head coach in as many seasons (and less than 13 calendar months).

After Bill Belichick manned the sidelines for 24 seasons, the two parted ways in early 2024 and went with Jerod Mayo to replace arguably the greatest coach of all time.

However, after a 4-13 season, Kraft did not like what he saw, fired Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel, who was available last offseason.

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Vince Wilfork does not deny that the Patriots are in a better place today than they were two weeks ago, but in echoing former teammate Rob Gronkowski's thoughts on the matter, Wilfork said on Tuesday that Mayo "never had a chance" and that it was all a "setup."

"I think it was BS to pull that. And knowing Jerod personally, I know the conversations," Wilfork told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I know what it is. It’s just hard to fathom, but that’s the business when you deal with certain people. I think it was unfair."

Wilfork noted that Mayo coached "the same s----y roster" that Belichick made and "sucked" with.

"So what do you think Mayo was [going to] do with the same people Bill brought in? Mayo’s the one who found the future quarterback in Drake Maye. It’s just unfortunate. But it’s part of the game, part of the business," Wilfork said.

Wilfork spoke with Fox News Digital at an event where he promoted Tums, as he's on the case to stop heartburn when people stuff their faces at their Super Bowl parties. Tums and DraftKings recently partnered up for fans to hit the app for its Fantasy Foodball Pool, where players can draft their perfect game-day plates for free for a shot at a share of cash prizes.

NFL TO EXPLORE PLAYOFF FORMAT CHANGES; DIVISION WINNERS WOULD NOT BE ASSURED HOME GAMES: REPORT

"Tums goes hand-in-hand with food, and what they were trying to do with Foodball, that’s a perfect collab. … When you have football and DraftKings and the chance of winning something, it keeps it fun," Wilfork said. "You can do this with your friends, have a good time, and everything is themed off food. Something competitive, but it’s light. We talking about food. It’s a great way to bring people together. Food, sports, football, that’s what it’s all about."

Despite letting Mayo go, though, Wilfork said Vrabel is the best guy to get his former Patriots "back on track."

"I’m very happy for Vrabel. I played with Vrabel. He coached me down in Houston – a good friend. I know he checks all the boxes when it comes to running the team. Hopefully, he can get us back on track. It’s time for us to get on track. He’s a good person that can get us back going and on the right direction. But it has a lot to do with that roster," Wilfork said.

Wilfork played in Super Bowls with both Mayo and Vrabel on the same defensive unit and considers them both good friends. Perhaps one could say that it's an odd situation for Wilfork, but he mentioned that it's "not awkward … just facts."

"It has nothing to do with Vrabel as a coach or person. I think he’s phenomenal. He’s the best coach I would have got. I just think it was unfair for Mayo to go through what he went through," he said.

"I don’t question Vrabel’s capabilities. I know he can win. He showed that with Tennessee, going to the AFC Championship in his first year. I know what a great coach Vrabel is. I’m not questioning that whatsoever. I’m very happy and thrilled for the Patriots to land Vrabel. 

"I just think it’s unfair what Mayo had to go through. He didn’t have a chance. It was bullcrap from the get-go, and it’s a lot of backstabbing going on. … We’ll see what happens. It’s all part of the game, I guess, but it’s unfair however you slice it. He never had a chance."

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Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan expressed hope he would get a chance to face off against Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.

Ryan reacted on ESPN to the Patriots’ decision to hire Vrabel as the team’s head coach on Sunday. It came one week after New England fired Jerod Mayo.

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"Hopefully, I can kick this guy’s a-- twice a year," he said with a smile.

Ryan had interviewed to be the Jets’ head coach and suggested he was the favorite to land the job. He would replace Robert Saleh, who was fired in the middle of the season, and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced Saleh.

"The reason I think I'm going to get it is because I'm the best guy for it. It ain't close," he said, via ESPN. "The thing you have to do is, you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base. The way they play, that's the most important thing. It's not just the Xs and Os and all that."

AARON RODGERS STILL HAS 'A LOT OF JUICE LEFT IN THE TANK,' NFL LEGEND BRETT FAVRE SAYS

Aside from showing his confidence, Ryan even offered a pitch – one that took direct aim at quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

"Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn't show up for mandatory minicamp – and, by the way, he's your quarterback, coming off an injury – I think that's an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team," Ryan said of Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp over the summer for a trip to Egypt. 

"If he comes back, things would be different. If he's back, it ain't gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain't gonna happen. I'll just leave it at that."

Ryan was 46-50 as the Jets’ head coach and was the last to lead the Jets to the playoffs.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

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Mike Vrabel is returning to Foxborough to lead the New England Patriots on the sidelines instead of on the defense.

Vrabel agreed to become the Patriots’ next head coach on Sunday one week after the team fired Jerod Mayo following a win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, according to multiple reports. He reportedly agreed to a multi-year contract to lead the team.

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The Patriotsl later announced the decision.

Mayo had only one season at the helm in New England after being tapped to replace the legendary Bill Belichick. Now, another former Patriots player is set to lead the charge.

Vrabel had been the favorite to land the job once New England announced Mayo’s dismissal. New England interviewed several candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, longtime NFL assistant coach Pep Hamilton and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

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Vrabel was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2017 to 2023, leading them to three playoff appearances and an AFC Championship Game in 2019. He was 54-45 with the team before departing the organization after a 6-11 season in 2023.

He spent last season as an assistant with the Cleveland Browns.

As a player, the linebacker was with the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. He won three rings with the Patriots while playing for Belichick.

New England will have the No. 4 pick of the NFL Draft after going 4-13 in 2024.

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The New England Patriots are in talks to hire Mike Vrabel as the team's next head coach, according to The Boston Globe. 

Vrabel is the favorite to get the job after former head coach Jerod Mayo was fired Sunday after just one season. 

Vrabel is a member of the Patriots' Hall of Fame for his eight seasons with the team. He won three Super Bowls with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick during his New England career from 2001-08. 

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Vrabel was 54-45 in six seasons as head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018-2023, including three trips to the playoffs and one to the AFC title game.

Vrabel was fired by the Titans after the 2023 season, then spent 2024 in a part-time role as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Cleveland Browns. 

NFL DRAFT PROSPECT KYREN LACY WANTED FOR NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE FOR ALLEGED ROLE IN FATAL HIT-AND-RUN

Vrabel was projected to be a top head coaching candidate in 2025. He has also interviewed with the Jets and the Bears. 

The Patriots have also interviewed Ben Johnson, Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton for their head coach opening. 

Vrabel was born in Ohio and was an All-American during his standout playing career with the Ohio State Buckeyes in the mid-1990s.

Vrabel ended his pro career with 769 tackles, 57 sacks and 11 interceptions. He received All-Pro honors for his standout 2007 season with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots are 8-26 the past two seasons with Bill Belichick and then Mayo as their head coach.

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Jerod Mayo's wife seems ready to air out some dirty laundry.

The New England Patriots fired Mayo, who had been handpicked by Bill Belichick to take over, after just one season.

Granted, the team went 4-13, and his decisions and quotes garnered some criticism, but many have been on the attack against the Pats, saying that with his roster, he had not been given a fair shake.

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Well, Mayo's wife, Chantel Rostant, went unhinged on her Instagram story, insinuating that the franchise has lost its "class."

"It never even crossed our minds to tell the truth….but I couldn't even fathom all the lies we've read that are being told to save face. What happened to the class?????" Rostant wrote on her Instagram story.

"We've been taking the high road and letting everyone do their thing since Sunday. But playing with someone's name won't be tolerated. I bet the fake stories will stop before the real ones start."

Pats legend Rob Gronkowski, who played with Mayo and was coached by Belichick, reamed the Patriots in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

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I felt like it was kind of unfair to him, because he took a team over where it was gonna need some time to build and develop to get back to the winning ways." he said. "I mean, the roster was depleted, Jerod was a rookie head coach, and I felt like he needed another year to be able to really judge him based on how he would develop and grow after that first season," Gronk said.

With a loss in their season finale, the Pats would have clinched the No. 1 pick in April, but they stole a victory and are now slated to pick fourth.

After a 10-7 season in 2021, the Patriots have been trending in the wrong direction, going 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 in the past two seasons now.

This was the first season sans Belichick since 1999, as Belichick had coached the Pats for 24 seasons.

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The New England Patriots fired coach Jerod Mayo after just one season on Monday, and a report on Wednesday revealed telling details about his first year as NFL head coach and what the lead up to that decision looked like. 

The Patriots closed out the season with a win over AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills, but it wasn’t enough for owner Robert Kraft to want to stick with Mayo. 

"After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."

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Mayo had developed in the Patriots’ system, first as a player winning a Super Bowl during his eight-year career and later as a linebackers coach under Bill Belichick. But it seems that the "Patriots’ way" didn’t carry over into his coaching style. 

According to a report from The Athletic, one incident that stood out to those close to the situation was a plane ride home after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals last month.

The report claimed that instead of reviewing film with the coaching staff, Mayo opted to play cards with the players.

"But in a move that surprised some at the front of the plane after such a lopsided loss, according to a team source, Mayo, the team’s first-year head coach who had been handpicked by owner Robert Kraft to succeed Bill Belichick, left his spot near the front and went back to where some players had gathered to play cards, choosing to hang out there while his assistants watched film," Chad Graff’s report read. 

PATRIOTS OWNER ROBERT KRAFT SHOULDERS BLAME AFTER FIRING JEROD MAYO: 'WHOLE SITUATION IS ON ME'

"Look, there are a lot of ways to do the job," a team source on the plane told Graff. "It’s not that Jerod’s was definitely wrong. But I can’t say I’ve seen that before."

Other sources added that Mayo’s attempt to differentiate himself from Belichick may have been his downfall.

"Mayo, they felt, tried too hard to be 180 degrees different from Belichick, then struggled to apply and uphold discipline after positioning himself as a players’ coach," the report continued. 

For Kraft, he shouldered much of what led to Mayo’s troubles. 

"This whole situation is on me. I feel terrible for Jerod. Because I put him in an untenable situation," Kraft said during a press conference on Tuesday. "I know he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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When Bill Belichick became the head coach at the University of North Carolina, he adamantly said he did not go there "to leave."

However, one of his former players, Rob Gronkowski, disagrees.

Belichick, after being off an NFL sideline for the first time in nearly 50 years, agreed last month to become the next head coach at UNC, saying it was a dream fulfilled to get into the college ranks.

However, Belichick has obviously found his success with the National Football League, and Gronk believes Belichick still has his eyes on returning home.

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When asked during a recent interview with Fox News Digital whether he believed Belichick would retire as a Tar Heel, he said he did not think so. 

"I think if Bill has success, he's gonna eventually hand that program off to his son, whose son is just developing to be a future head coach," Gronkowski said. "Love his son, and he's doing a great job in the defensive ranks of college… So I believe that Coach Belichick will have some good success at UNC, but I believe that his heart truly belongs in the NFL ranks, and he's eventually gonna go back to the NFL if it's in three years or four years. But I think he ends his career coaching as a head coach for an NFL team."

Belichick coached the New England Patriots for 24 seasons, winning six Super Bowls during his tenure – three of those came with Gronkowski as his star tight end. After the 2023 season, the coach and team mutually agreed to part ways.

Without Belichick, the Pats had one of their worst seasons in recent memory, going 4-13, although Drake Maye gave fans something to be excited about. Entering Sunday, they owned the first overall pick, but with their victory, they will now pick fourth. Gronkowski, who recently partnered with Bounty, says the paper towel brand may just be enough to clean up the current mess in Foxboro.

"I'm about a couple minutes away right now.
If I just walk over, grab my Bounty paper towel, it's messy over there right now, and I just use the Bounty paper towels with a couple of wipes, man, I'll probably be head coach right after that," he joked.

Gronkowski joined fellow future Hall of Famer Drew Brees as his Bounty Wingman ahead of the playoffs, because as Buffalo native Gronk says, "You can't have football without wings, and you can't have wings without Bounty."

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"That's why I'm the full package here. I'm all three of those: I love football ball, I love wings, and I love Bounty. And Drew Brees and I are going down to New Orleans, we're gonna dominate the city and we're gonna clean up our mess with the Bounty paper towels," Gronk, who, surprisingly, has never been out around the town, said of his partnership with the Saints legend.

In moving on from Belichick, the Patriots went to Jerod Mayo, a handpicked selection by Belichick himself years ago. But, after just one season, he was axed, and Gronk was not pleased.

 "I was surprised to hear about Jerod getting fired. I mean, I felt like it was kind of unfair to him, because he took a team over where it was gonna need some time to build and develop to get back to the winning ways." he said. "I mean, the roster was depleted, Jerod was a rookie head coach, and I felt like he needed another year to be able to really judge him based on how he would develop and grow after that first season. But obviously, just after the first season, it was apparent that [Robert] Kraft felt like he was just not the guy to build a culture around back to its winning ways. So therefore, Kraft was just wasting no time and let go of Jerod's duties.

"Now I feel like Kraft will be doing all he can in the process of hiring a new head coach that he believes will turn around this program and get them back into the playoffs as soon as possible. It's kind of an ugly situation, but I feel for both sides. You gotta win, but also, I just feel like it wasn't enough time to evaluate Jerod Mayo."

The overwhelming speculation is that Mike Vrabel will man the Pats – he played for New England and became the coach of the Tennessee Titans after his playing days ended.

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Bill Belichick knows his former pupil and New England Patriots successor Jerod Mayo was fired after just one season. 

But what's happening with the team he won six Super Bowls with is the least of his worries at the moment. 

During his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Belichick, who was in suit and tie on a recruiting trip for his new gig as the North Carolina Tar Heels head football coach, said the Patriots never gave him a ring as they decided to fire Mayo after going 4-13 this year.

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"The Patriots’ situation, honestly, I don’t have too much of a comment on that," Belichick told McAfee and his crew. "Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Robyn Glaser, they’re the decision makers there.

"Mayo was hand-picked by Robert, but in the end, the decision-making is something they’d have to comment on.

"I really don’t know from the outside looking in. They haven’t called me and asked, so I don’t know."

PATRIOTS OWNER ROBERT KRAFT SHOULDERS BLAME AFTER FIRING JEROD MAYO: ‘WHOLE SITUATION IS ON ME’

Of course, McAfee had to ask Belichick after his replacement being one-and-done in Foxborough, but a new journey for the legendary coach is well under way as he continues to try and build his first roster at Chapel Hill. 

As Belichick mentioned, Kraft hand-picked Mayo, who was already on Belichick’s staff, as the Patriots’ next head coach this past offseason. It came after the team and Belichick mutually parted ways following a 4-13 season, ending a 24-year relationship that brought about arguably football’s best head coach of all-time. 

Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008-15, winning a Super Bowl with the franchise during the 2014 campaign. Belichick eventually brought him onto his coaching staff in 2019 as a linebackers coach before Kraft made his choice last year. 

But Kraft shouldered the blame on Monday when addressing reporters about Mayo, saying that the "whole situation is on me" in regard to his decision to let Mayo go after only one season. 

"I feel terrible for Jerod, because I put him in an untenable situation," Kraft added. "I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job.

"In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

While the Patriots embark on yet another head coach search, in which another Belichick former player in Mike Vrabel is expected to be top of mind as Mayo's replacement, the 72-year-old coach's inaugural season with the Tar Heels has a large spotlight on it, given this will be Belichick's first-ever college gig in his illustrious career.

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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement on Sunday night regarding Jerod Mayo’s firing, as he believed it was the right move to make after just one season at the helm. 

Now, Kraft is solely focused on moving quickly with yet another head coaching search after he and Bill Belichick parted ways before the 2024 season. 

Before he discussed the plan this time around, though, Kraft shouldered the blame after another 4-13 campaign.

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"This whole situation is on me," Kraft told reporters on Monday, via ESPN. "I feel terrible for Jerod, because I put him in an untenable situation. I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job.

"In the end, I'm a fan of this team first, and now I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

Teams are making calls already to potential head coach candidates, and the Patriots are wasting no time either. 

ESPN'S STEPHEN A SMITH ON PATRIOTS FIRING JEROD MAYO: ‘THEY CALL IT BLACK MONDAY FOR A REASON’

New England has pinged the Detroit Lions about a formal request to interview star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. And, of course, Kraft was asked about Mike Vrabel, another former player of his who has much more head coaching experience in the NFL than Mayo, who was leading a team for the first time. 

"There are some wonderful people that we’ve heard about," Kraft responded when asked about Vrabel, who most recently was head coach of the Tennessee Titans before his firing after the 2023 season. "I’d rather respond to that after I’ve seen everyone. We want to interview as many people as we can that we think can help us get to that position that we want to be in."

As for the process, Kraft’s son, Jonathan, who serves as team president, will be involved, as well as senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.  Kraft’s front office will also remain the same during this coaching transition. 

Mayo’s final game as head coach had NFL Draft implications on Sunday, as Joe Milton III’s breakout game against the Buffalo Bills lost the Patriots the No. 1 overall pick. Now, they will be choosing fourth overall come April. 

But Kraft didn’t appear bothered by Mayo coaching the Patriots to a final victory to end the season, as he said the former New England linebacker was informed of the decision after the game. 

"He was a man," Kraft said of Mayo’s reaction to the firing. "Look, it was one of the more difficult things I've had to do in my life because I had such affection for him. And I believe in him. I really do believe as he gets more experience, he'll be successful. He was a gentleman and accepted it that way."

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ESPN star Stephen A. Smith reacted to the New England Patriots’ decision to fire Jerod Mayo after only one season at the helm.

Smith lamented on "First Take" that Mayo didn’t get enough of an opportunity to develop as a head coach and lead the team. He said the availability of Mike Vrabel on the coaching market also played a factor.

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"This is about Mike Vrabel. That's who they wanted. No question about it," Smith said. "He’s the more seasoned and experienced coach. I don't like this. They call it Black Monday for a reason. This certainly typifies it. I don't know why it's not called White Monday. Doug Pederson got fired from Jacksonville. He deserved that firing. 

"Jerod Mayo clearly was not given a lengthy enough opportunity considering what Bill Belichick left him with from a talent perspective, considering the record, considering the way the team performed."

Smith added that he believed the Patriots’ top brass "turned" on Mayo over the course of the season.

"He didn’t help himself with some of the comments he made calling the team soft… But no matter what we can point to, at the end of the day the folks in New England were turning against Jerod Mayo. We all know this," he said. 

"And I think it has something to do with the fact that Vrabel is available and that’s what’s really going on here. They don’t want to lose him to a team like the New York Jets. They want to be in the running, and they can’t do that with him as the head coach."

The Patriots were 4-13 in Mayo’s lone season.

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New England team owner Robert Kraft made the announcement after New England defeated the Buffalo Bills in the final game of the season.

"After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said. 

"I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evidence, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach."

Kraft went on to say that the move comes as he feels the fans deserve a better product on the field moving forward.

"Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years," Kraft’s statement read. "I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time."

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Rob Gronkowski appeared to be upset with how the New England Patriots handled Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach, which ended with his dismissal Sunday following a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Mayo was hired to replace Bill Belichick last year after the legendary head coach and the organization parted ways following six Super Bowls and two dynastic periods.

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The Patriots struggled in Mayo’s first season, finishing 4-13. But Gronkowski expressed that he didn’t believe Mayo had enough time to develop as a head coach.

"I was shocked by that. And to happen that soon was a shocker to a lot of people," he said on FOX. "Especially here at the desk, I think we were all surprised by that. I think it was unfair to coach Jerod Mayo. He had never had the chance to develop as a head coach. 

"He was just a rookie himself in that department. If you judge a coach by their first year, that’s really not appropriate."

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Mayo and Gronkowski were teammates for a few years with the Patriots.

The Patriots were far from playoff contenders entering the season. New England drafted rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round and didn’t start him until a few weeks into the regular season.

New England was 30th in points scored and 31st in yards gained, while finishing 22nd in points and yards allowed.

Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced the Mayo decision after the Patriots’ win.

"After the game I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bill Belichick's replacement has lasted just one season. 

The New England Patriots have fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo after going 4-13 in his first and only season, including a Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills which lost the franchise the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed the reports of Mayo’s firing in a lengthy statement where he explained the front office will remain intact heading into the offseason. 

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"After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025. For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said. 

"I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evidence, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach."

Kraft went on to say that the move comes as he feels the fans deserve a better product on the field moving forward. 

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"Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years," Kraft’s statement read. "I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time."

After a 10-7 season in 2021, the Patriots have been trending in the wrong direction, going 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 in the past two seasons now. 

This season, however, saw a change of guard at head coach for the first time since 2000 as the Patriots and Belichick mutually parted ways after he led a dynasty to six Super Bowl wins alongside Tom Brady. 

As Kraft points out, Mayo understood the pedigree to be a Patriot as both a player and a coach, leading to the decision to make him Belichick’s replacement as he was already in the building and the players respected him. 

But the Patriots also understood that Mayo was inheriting a roster that was among the least strong in the NFL entering the 2024 season, and the projected win total of 4.5 for the year reflected what experts believed would occur in Mayo’s inaugural campaign. 

But Kraft and the Patriots seem to feel that the lack of talent on the roster isn’t the only thing that needs to improve heading into the 2025 season later this year. 

Mayo did make some interesting headlines throughout the year, including publicly calling his team soft after the team’s sixth straight loss back in October. He also noted the Patriots would "burn some cash" in free agency right after being named head coach, and he had to redact that statement later to say the team would be wise with their cap room. 

Mayo did, however, play to win despite quarterback Drake Maye, the team’s No. 3 overall pick in 2024, handing the reins over to his backup, Joe Milton III, who had a breakout game in Week 18. 

The Patriots won 23-16 with Milton going 22-for-29 for 241 yards with a touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, who finished with 117 yards through the air. Milton also rushed for a touchdown himself in the game where the Bills rested most of its starters. 

The win, though, lost the Patriots the No. 1 overall pick as the Tennessee Titans assume that position in the NFL Draft. The Patriots will choose fourth overall behind the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants as well. 

Looking ahead to the head coach search, Mike Vrabel, the former Patriot and veteran head coach, has already been floated as a potential candidate the Patriots could bring in to replace Mayo. 

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New England Patriots fans seem to have had enough of Jerod Mayo as the head coach’s first season at the helm winds down.

Reporters in Foxborough, Massachusetts, who took in the Patriots’ 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night heard "Fire Mayo" chants coming from the stands at Gillette Stadium.

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New England fell to 3-13 with the loss. If the Patriots lose next week, three wins would be their lowest total since they finished 2-14 in 1992. The team was 4-13 last season – the last year Bill Belichick was at the helm. Mayo took over for Belichick in January.

Mayo was asked about the chants after the game.

"You hear those things. But at the same time, they paid to sit in the seats, and we've got to play better," Mayo told reporters, via ESPN. "If we play better, we don't have to hear that stuff."

The offense has been among the heavily scrutinized issues for the Patriots.

2024 NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: FOUR MORE POSTSEASON SPOTS STILL UP FOR GRABS IN WEEK 17

Patriots president Jonathan Kraft appeared to get caught on camera complaining about the play-calling during the team’s loss against the Arizona Cardinals two weeks ago. The offense hasn’t gotten much better since then.

Behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots are 30th in the league in points scored and 31st in yards gained. Mayo’s defense is 25th in points allowed and 23rd in yards allowed.

Deatrich Wise Jr., who has been with the Patriots since 2017, and Davon Godchaux each backed Mayo after the loss to the Chargers.

Wise said he thought he and his teammates should keep believing in Mayo.

"The guy's in his first season. It's not going to be golden. We didn't expect to win a Super Bowl this year. I get it, nobody wants to get beaten 40-7, but the chant is ridiculous," Godchaux added. 

"Everybody plays a part in this. It isn't just Jerod Mayo. Players, coaches, front office. We just have to get better as a whole organization," he said. "I believe in this organization.

"We just had probably the best team in the NFL right now on the ropes last week [in Buffalo]. I don't believe in all that other ridiculous stuff. The guy is in his first year. It's just ridiculous."

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New England Patriots fans seem to have had enough of Jerod Mayo as the head coach’s first season at the helm winds down.

Reporters in Foxborough, Massachusetts, who took in the Patriots’ 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night heard "Fire Mayo" chants coming from the stands at Gillette Stadium.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New England fell to 3-13 with the loss. If the Patriots lose next week, three wins would be their lowest total since they finished 2-14 in 1992. The team was 4-13 last season – the last year Bill Belichick was at the helm. Mayo took over for Belichick in January.

Mayo was asked about the chants after the game.

"You hear those things. But at the same time, they paid to sit in the seats, and we've got to play better," Mayo told reporters, via ESPN. "If we play better, we don't have to hear that stuff."

The offense has been among the heavily scrutinized issues for the Patriots.

2024 NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: FOUR MORE POSTSEASON SPOTS STILL UP FOR GRABS IN WEEK 17

Patriots president Jonathan Kraft appeared to get caught on camera complaining about the play-calling during the team’s loss against the Arizona Cardinals two weeks ago. The offense hasn’t gotten much better since then.

Behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots are 30th in the league in points scored and 31st in yards gained. Mayo’s defense is 25th in points allowed and 23rd in yards allowed.

Deatrich Wise Jr., who has been with the Patriots since 2017, and Davon Godchaux each backed Mayo after the loss to the Chargers.

Wise said he thought he and his teammates should keep believing in Mayo.

"The guy's in his first season. It's not going to be golden. We didn't expect to win a Super Bowl this year. I get it, nobody wants to get beaten 40-7, but the chant is ridiculous," Godchaux added. 

"Everybody plays a part in this. It isn't just Jerod Mayo. Players, coaches, front office. We just have to get better as a whole organization," he said. "I believe in this organization.

"We just had probably the best team in the NFL right now on the ropes last week [in Buffalo]. I don't believe in all that other ridiculous stuff. The guy is in his first year. It's just ridiculous."

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The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season, beating the New England Patriots 40-7 on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have already won the AFC West, so the Chargers will make the playoffs as a Wild Card team. 

The Chargers started out red-hot, going up 17-0 before the Patriots finally responded.

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Quarterback Justin Herbert hit wide receiver Derius Davis with a strike, connecting with him for a 23-yard touchdown. On their ensuing offensive possession, kicker Cameron Dicker hit a 27-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 10-0.

Following the field goal, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye couldn’t convert the pitch to the running back, and the fumble was recovered by safety Derwin James Jr. to give the Chargers good field position at midfield. 

Herbert capitalized on the good field position and hit rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a six-yard touchdown to go up 17-0.

While the Chargers took a commanding lead, Maye left the sidelines temporarily in the first quarter to be checked for a concussion.

The Patriots rookie quarterback was scrambling, trying to convert a third-and-four along the sideline when Chargers defensive back Cam Hart hit Maye up high, where there was helmet-to-helmet contact. 

LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78

Maye fumbled the ball upon being hit, but the Patriots recovered it.

After the hit, Maye stayed down for a moment before eventually getting up. 

He was initially evaluated in the blue medical tent, and then was taken to the locker room, where he was then cleared to return to play. 

The lone Patriots highlight of the game came when Maye got the Chargers to jump offside, then with pressure in his face, threw a 36-yard dime to wide receiver Demario Douglas for a touchdown.

The touchdown cut the Chargers' lead to 17-7, but those would be the only points the Patriots would score all day.

Herbert led the Chargers' offense down and gave Dicker a chance for a field goal before halftime. 

Dicker was good from 38 yards out, and the Chargers took a 20-7 halftime lead. 

EAGLES' NICK SIRIANNI CLEARS THE AIR AFTER HEATED POSTGAME CONFRONTATION WITH FORMER PLAYER ZACH ERTZ

The Chargers kept their foot on the gas, coming out of the second half. 

The Patriots got the ball first coming out of the half but went three and out.

Then Herbert led a 10-play, 94-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Ladd McConkey 40-yard touchdown catch, to put the Chargers up 27-7, and effectively sealed the game in the third quarter.

Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins scored a touchdown in his return from injury in the fourth quarter.

Herbert was sensational in the win, completing 26-38 passing attempts for 284 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback was pulled with over ten minutes left in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. 

McConkey passed Keenan Allen for the most catches for a rookie in a season in Chargers history, with eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. 

This was the first time the Chargers scored 40 points in a game since 2021.

Maye was 12 of 22, with 117 yards and one touchdown, with six carries for 32 yards in the loss. 

The last time the Chargers were in the playoffs was the 2022-2023 season, when they had one of the biggest collapses in NFL history when they lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-30 after leading 27-0 at one point. 

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The football community has rallied around NFL legend Randy Moss after the former wide receiver announced he had been diagnosed with cancer, during an Instagram livestream Friday.

Moss said he had spent six days in the hospital undergoing surgery. The former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots wide receiver said the doctors had found cancer in his bile duct, "right between the pancreas and the liver."

"I am a cancer survivor," Moss said. "Some trying times, but we made it through."

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Moss’s former teammates and teams posted statements on social media in support of the former wide receiver.

"Mental toughness in human form. We’re all with you 81. Love ya bubs," former Patriots teammate Julian Edelman posted. 

NFL LEGEND RANDY MOSS ANNOUNCES CANCER DIAGNOSIS

"Love you Randy. Dominating opponents is what you have always done and you will sure do it again! You got this!" Rob Gronkowski posted.

Moss stepped away from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s "Sunday NFL Countdown" on Dec. 6.

"As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set. . . . Hopefully, I can be with you guys soon," Moss said.

"My goal is to get back on television with my team."

The Pro Football Hall of Famer played 14 seasons in the NFL and is second in the Vikings' all-time receiving yards with 9,316 yards.

The six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro will turn 48 in February. 

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Bill Belichick isn't going to Chapel Hill blindly.

After spending nearly five decades on NFL sidelines, the eight-time Super Bowl champion took his first-ever college coaching job with the Tar Heels.

He was officially introduced Thursday.

Early reports of Belichick's interest in the job were often scoffed at, but it's clear he was interested from the jump.

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He was so into the job he had spoken with several of the school's most famed alumni, including Michael Jordan and Lawrence Taylor. Belichick also said he spoke with Julius Peppers.

Jordan starred in Chapel Hill before becoming the greatest basketball player of all time, and Taylor was a mainstay in UNC's defense before he was drafted by the New York Giants and coached by Belichick. The duo won two Super Bowls together with Big Blue.

Peppers, an NFL great, also played basketball for the school.

In typical Belichick fashion, he did not reveal what they spoke about, but he said they were all "very supportive."

BILL BELICHICK SAID HE ALWAYS WANTED TO COACH IN COLLEGE AFTER TAKING UNC JOB: 'DREAM COME TRUE'

"There's been a ton of support," he added, "from ex-players and other UNC alums. This is a great brand and a great support system here. So, I'm excited to spend more time with these people."

It's a five-year deal for Belichick, who added that he did not "come [to Chapel Hill] to leave."

Belichick, 72, interviewed for at least two NFL jobs last offseason after he and the New England Patriots parted ways after 24 seasons and six championships.

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Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has spent much of the ongoing NFL season in the media spotlight. 

While Belichick interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons in January, the franchise opted against extending an offer to a coach. Belichick did not appear to draw much interest from any other NFL team, but his regular appearances on ESPN's "ManningCast" and the CW's "Inside the NFL" have kept him relatively close to football.

But the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach seems to still be interested in coaching. 

During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier this week, Belichick confirmed he had talks with the North Carolina Tar Heels about their head coaching vacancy.

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While it remains unclear if Belichick will be on the sideline in Chapel Hill next season, another former NFL coach chimed in on the developing situation.

Bruce Arians, who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in the 2021 Super Bowl, admitted he was "very surprised" his contemporary showed interest in coaching at the collegiate level. Arians also offered Belichick some advice.

TOM BRADY EXPLAINS WHY HIS ANSWER IS 'NO' TO BILL BELICHICK HEADING TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL

"I’m very, very surprised. I thought for sure he’d wait for the NFL hiring process to play out," Arians said during a recent appearance on the "Scoop City" podcast. "There’s some good things in going back to college, but I had no patience with rookies. I damn sure don’t have patience for freshmen." 

Arians and Belichick are both 72. Arians stepped away from coaching and moved into a consultant's role with the Bucs in 2022.

"If I'm gonna give Bill one bit of advice, you better bring a lot of patience with you," Arians said. "Dealing with rookies making money, but now freshmen making money? It’s gotta be ridiculous trying to coach those guys."

Arians' coaching career began at the college level. He spent time working for Mississippi State, Alabama and other programs.

If Belichick winds up at UNC or another college program, he will have to carefully navigate name, image and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. The NCAA transfer portal opened earlier this week. NIL and the portal have drastically altered the college football landscape over the past couple of years.

Belichick shared some details about the makeup of a college program if he were a head coach.

"If I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL," he said. "It would be a professional program — training, nutrition, scheme, coaching and techniques that would transfer to the NFL."

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