William Clay Ford will be honored by the Detroit Lions this season with a uniform patch that features his initials.

Ford died on March 9 at age 88

He purchased the Lions in November 1963 and became the sole owner on Jan. 10, 1964. 

Ownership of the team has been passed on to his family with his wife Martha as the team’s majority owner. Bill Ford Jr., has remained as vice chairman.

The patch will be worn starting with the season open on Sept. 8 against the N.Y. Giants at Ford Field.

The Lions, under new coach Jim Caldwell, open training camp on July 28.

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