The Detroit Lions have confirmed that their owner and chairman William Clay Ford has died of pneumonia at his home on Sunday at the age of 88.

The team president Tom Lewand said that Ford, who purchased the Lions in 1963, was a devoted owner and would be missed by everyone at the franchise.

"No owner loved his team more than Mr Ford loved the Lions," Lewand said in a statement.

"Those of us who had the opportunity to work for him knew of his unyielding passion for his family, the Lions and the city of Detroit.

"His leadership, integrity, kindness, humility and good humor were matched only by his desire to bring a Super Bowl championship to the Lions and to our community. Each of us in the organisation will continue to relentlessly pursue that goal in his honour."

Ford was the last surviving grandson of Henry Ford.