The Longest Championship Droughts in NFL History
With the NFC Championship coming up, the Detroit Lions are two wins away from breaking one of the longest championship droughts in NFL history. Their opponents, the San Francisco 49ers, are looking to add to their trophy collection. The Niners haven’t been champs since the mid-90s.
In honor of the potential history on the table, we break down the longest active championship droughts in the NFL.
1. Detroit Lions – 63 years and counting
The Detroit Lions have had a long and frustrating championship drought. Their last championship came in 1957 when they won the NFL Championship. Since then, they have been unable to secure another title. Despite having talented players and making several playoff appearances, the Lions have struggled to find success in the postseason. However, with their recent improvement and promising young core, they have a chance to end their championship drought soon.
2. Cleveland Browns – 56 years and counting
The Cleveland Browns have a rich history in the NFL, but their last championship came in 1964. Since then, the team has gone through numerous changes, including relocating to Baltimore and then returning to Cleveland. The Browns have had their fair share of ups and downs, but have yet to capture another championship. With a dedicated fanbase and recent improvements, Browns fans remain hopeful that their team will bring home a title in the near future.
3. Arizona Cardinals – 73 years and counting
The Arizona Cardinals have the longest championship drought in NFL history. The team’s last championship came in 1947 when they were known as the Chicago Cardinals. Since then, they have moved to St. Louis and then to Arizona, but have been unable to win another championship. The Cardinals have had some successful seasons and made it to the Super Bowl in 2008, but fell short of capturing the title. Cardinals fans are eagerly waiting for their team to end the drought and bring home a championship.
4. Atlanta Falcons – 55 years and counting
The Atlanta Falcons have never won a championship in their franchise history. Their closest chance came in Super Bowl LI when they had a commanding lead against the New England Patriots, but ultimately lost in overtime. Since joining the league in 1966, the Falcons have had their ups and downs, but have yet to capture a championship. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, Falcons fans remain hopeful that their team will break the drought in the near future.
5. Tennessee Titans – 61 years and counting
The Tennessee Titans, formerly known as the Houston Oilers, have not won a championship since 1960. The team made it to the Super Bowl in 1999 but fell short of capturing the title. Since then, the Titans have had some successful seasons but have been unable to win it all. Titans fans are eagerly waiting for their team to end the championship drought and bring home a title.
While these teams have experienced long championship droughts, it’s important to remember that success in the NFL can change quickly. With talented players, strong coaching staffs, and dedicated fanbases, any of these teams have the potential to end their drought and bring home a championship in the near future. As the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers face off in the NFC Championship, football fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Lions can make history and end their championship drought.
