Former NFL Minority Owner Died At 80 On Saturday

This weekend also saw the passing of Fred Smith, a massive name in the business world and a former minority owner of Washington's football franchise.

Smith, the founder and former CEO of shipping giant FedEx, was also the father of ex-Falcons coach and current Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith. He was 80-years-old.

"The Washington Commanders mourn the passing of Frederick W. Smith, FedEx founder and executive chairman," the team shared in a statement. "Mr. Smith was a highly respected philanthropist and innovative businessman whose investments once included a minority stake in our team."

"He also proudly served our country in the US Marine Corps," Washington noted. "We send our sincere condolences to Mr. Smith's family and loved ones, as well as our friends across the FedEx organization."

Smith first acquired his stake in the Commanders under Dan Snyder back in 2003 after previously attempting to secure an expansion franchise for the city of Memphis in 1993.

Several years later, FedEx signed a 27-year, $205 million naming rights deal for Washington's stadium which ended in 2024 when new ownership took over the team.