As a 20-year-old Detroit sports enthusiast, I can confidently say that this Sunday is the biggest game of my life. The Detroit Lions actually have a shot to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. This year has been the season of all seasons, and to see the way the Detroit community has come together is amazing. It is clear that the Lions aren’t just a football team winning games, but are a part of something much bigger.
For a long time, being a Detroit sports fan meant enduring endless losing. Before the newfound success, the Detroit sports scene was filled with disappointment and frustration. The Lions, in particular, have been the joke of the NFL since their pre-Super Bowl championship in 1957. The phrase “Same Old Lions” haunted fans as they endured year after year of disappointment, questionable calls from officials, and the early retirement of star players like Calvin Johnson.
But on June 23, 2020, everything changed. Sheila Ford Hemp took over ownership of the Lions, and a new regime arrived. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the right people were put in place, and the wheels started turning. General manager Brad Holmes had a vision for how he wanted to build the team, and he did it his way from the start. Head coach Dan Campbell, known for his intense and passionate demeanor, set the tone from day one. His promise of his players taking on the identity of the city resonated with fans.
The national media quickly dismissed Campbell and the Lions, but Holmes and Campbell knew that if they could build a winning team in Detroit, the whole city would buy in. Holmes, known for his untraditional draft style, built a strong roster through the draft and key free agent additions. In just three seasons, the Lions went from a place where careers went to die to a place of opportunity.
The Lions fanbase has always wanted a winner, but the real Detroit sports fans have always been proud to be Lions fans. Despite the curse and the constant disappointment, the Lions are our team. We wear the Detroit logo loud and proud because it is our home, and we are better for the struggles we have endured.
For the first time in my life, the Detroit community has rallied behind the Lions and turned this into something bigger than sports. Whether it’s the ski mask takeover at the beginning of the year or the Detroit theme song by Gmac Cash, being a Lions fan has actually been fun. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell represent the underdog mentality of Detroit, and they have embraced it fully.
The Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers have all had their moments, but now it’s the Lions’ turn. This Lions team has been a joy to watch every single week. Even with a loss on Sunday, this team will go down in Detroit history, but with a win, they have the chance to create one of the greatest stories in sports history.
So, as a 20-year-old Detroit sports enthusiast, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for this Sunday’s game. Win or lose, I am proud to be a Lions fan, and I believe that this team has the potential to do something truly special. Go Lions!
