Lions supporters anticipate letdowns.
That has been the motto of my devoted dad throughout football season for as long as I can recall, relaxing on the couch in his old Honolulu blue Barry Sanders jersey.
The Lions are bad. Or at the very least, they did. However, that’s precisely why we, unfortunately, weren’t genuinely shocked when our favored team for the Super Bowl got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs a few weeks back. This defeat was merely the most recent instance of a prolonged history of misfortune, injuries, setbacks, and disappointment.
Last year, the Lions reached the nearest point to the Super Bowl they ever have in the last playoff match against the 49ers. My father and grandfather traveled to California, two blue jerseys in a crowd of red and gold, eagerly awaiting what could be the best chance for a Super Bowl game in their lives. In Ann Arbor once again, I observed from the sofa. They were defeated.
If you’re not a supporter of the Lions, this may not hold any significance for you. Ultimately, I wasn’t really a huge fan of football; seeing adult men beat each other senseless for three hours isn’t my preferred form of entertainment. Allow me to give some background on why I began to cry as the greatest team we’ve ever seen faltered when it truly counted.
Only four NFL teams have not appeared in the Super Bowl: the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and, as you predicted, the Detroit Lions. Established in 1930, the Lions rank among the oldest franchises in the NFL, leading to nearly a century of disappointment for their supporters. Even when expected to triumph, poor play calls by coaches, key fumbles, and interceptions have caused many to think that the team is just cursed.
According to Brian Manzullo, a sports writer for the Detroit Free Press, in 2015, “Whenever we assume the Detroit Lions can’t discover another way to lose, they manage to do so.”
Supporters like my grandfather have pleaded for a shift in their fortune throughout their lives. He actually owns a T-shirt that reads, “Just one before I die.”
The Lions have often been regarded as a punchline, yet the city of Detroit has been undervalued for an even greater time.
Once the wealthiest city in the nation and the headquarters for automotive behemoths Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, Detroit encountered major difficulties in the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, unemployment levels climbed above 16%, driven by a significant departure of mainly white inhabitants from the city to nearby suburbs. This white exodus was fueled by anxieties over racial integration, alterations in housing policies, and evolving racial dynamics within the city.
Conflicts between predominantly Black, low-income communities and Detroit’s largely white police force reached a peak during the 1967 Detroit uprising. Triggered by instances of police violence and discontent with systemic injustice, the revolt not only deepened the racial divide but also hastened the exodus of white residents from the city, which was becoming progressively more segregated. From 1950 to 2010, the population of the city fell by 61.4%, eroding its tax base. Those who stayed behind could not move and were left with a diminishing
Those who stayed behind couldn’t move and were stuck with a dwindling supply of government aid.
By the 1970s, Detroit’s population was predominantly Black. Nonetheless, systemic racism and economic disparity, along with the decline of the automobile sector, intensified the city’s challenges. As of 2011, almost 50% of Detroit’s population was residing under the poverty threshold. In 2013, Detroit declared bankruptcy with $18 billion in debt, marking the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
The story that Detroit is still a risky area and the notion of “urban decay” continues to be widespread today. A Gallup poll from 2023 revealed that merely 26% of Americans believe Detroit is a safe place to live or visit. Even President Donald Trump diminished the city’s reputation.
“The entire nation will respond — do you wish to hear the truth?” Trump inquired. “It will resemble Detroit.” The entire nation will become similar to Detroit if (Kamala Harris) becomes your president.”
However, after the city declared bankruptcy, situations began to improve for Detroit. Simultaneously, several important draft selections, such as Aiden Hutchinson, along with a new coaching team, started to improve the situation for the Lions.
Numerous fans held varied views regarding Lions head coach Dan Campbell when he was initially appointed in 2021 because of his unconventional style and lack of extensive coaching experience. This may come as a surprise to many, including me, who have only known of Campbell during the time of imitation contests and widespread admiration for his coaching choices. A common narrative for both Detroit and the Lions — dismissed from the beginning.
In Campbell’s second year as head coach, the Lions began the season with a 1-6 record. Following a 3-13-1 season, it was certainly not an impressive record. In response to public demands for his termination, franchise owner Sheila Hamp addressed the media in an uncommon gesture.
“I understand this is hard,” Hamp stated. Reconstructing is difficult. However, we genuinely have faith in our approach; we truly believe we will reverse this situation properly through the draft. It demands patience; it can be aggravating. Am I feeling annoyed? Certainly. Are the supporters annoyed? Definitely. Are you all feeling frustrated? “However, I believe we are truly advancing.”
Hamp was correct to exercise patience. The following year, the Lions finished with a record of 9-8; afterward, it was 12-5 in 2023 and ultimately, 15-2 in the 2024 season. The enthusiasm that always resided in my family was stirred into a frenzy. On every game day, my dad would walk back and forth in front of the television — too tense to sit — voice texting my grandfather with the latest news. Following the customary Thanksgiving Lions game when my dad found out I was excited about the team, I was included in this group chat:
“He needs to kick it, correct?”
“Gibbs is blazing!”
“Strive for victory, Dan!”
“I’m walking around and removing my shirt…” (this one really made me laugh).
My mom says that even after the games were over, my dad continued watching recap and analysis videos, rewatched the games, and listened to player interview podcasts. He would remain awake past his usual 10 p.m. bedtime to watch the game until it concluded. We exchanged memes concerning the players, a friend gave my dad socks featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, and I heard my grandfather narrate the life tales of his beloved players. The Lions became part of my life more than ever before.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Dae Hee Kwak, an associate professor of sports management, stated that a reason individuals become sports enthusiasts is the identity it provides.
“We’re all social beings, aren’t we?” Kwak stated. “We yearn for a sense of belonging, or to be part of another identity, culture, or group, and sports serve as a prime example of how people can experience this sense of belonging.”
The Lions possess a notable history and are the sole NFL team in Michigan, which influences fan identity through the interpersonal connections of those who were raised in the state.
“That’s the reason we observe those generational types of fan bases, generation after generation, since you are introduced to the team while you are still young,” Kwak stated. “Perhaps your initial onesie was even Lions… that’s a part of how it shapes an identity.”
Honestly, I began following the Lions due to the youthful and thrilling talent that revitalized the franchise. The legendary pair (running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who refer to themselves as “Sonic and Knuckles”), the touchdown celebrations of Amon-Ra St. Brown, ridiculous trick plays that surprised even the fans, the comedy of vegan David Montgomery munching on a carrot while the rest of the squad enjoys turkey legs following their Thanksgiving victory — that’s what I adore about football.
Over the last year, the nation began to reconsider Detroit once more. The 2024 NFL draft took place there, setting a new attendance record with more than 775,000 fans flooding into the city.
Simultaneously, Money designated Detroit as one of the top places to reside in the U.S. A study from the University of Michigan indicated that the general advancements from 2018 to 2022 are expected to persist over the next five years, leading to greater employment and actual income growth. In 2022, the city was recognized as the leading emerging startup ecosystem. Entities throughout the city, such as the Kresge Foundation and Bedrock, have invested millions into redevelopment and preservation initiatives, while the city has also dedicated significant funds to projects like Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park and Minock Park Place.
Although public transit accessibility remains a significant concern, a notable event occurred this past September when the QLINE streetcar system transitioned to being fully public, and the city secured funding this July to develop an autonomous vehicle shuttle service.
In terms of education, Detroit is not only recovering from COVID-19 setbacks but also advancing past pre-pandemic standards. In the 2024 state evaluations, the Detroit Public Schools Community District exceeded the state’s progress in math, literacy, social studies, and science proficiency. After the 2016 Gary B. v. Whitmer lawsuit, $94.4 million from the settlement was reinvested into literacy programs. Students are also noting decreased levels of anxiety and depression.
Detroit has made substantial investments in art and cultural institutions, which include the renovation of Michigan Central Station and the recent development of Arts Alleys throughout the city. Entities such as the Knight Foundation have dedicated millions of dollars to the digital advancement of the arts via grants to the Detroit Opera, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and others.
And, naturally, Detroit has been revitalized with pride for the Lions. Local merchandise shops announced unprecedented sales figures. Tickets for the Ford Field matchup with the Washington Commanders were the priciest ever in franchise history, generating revenue in the thousands. The stadium erupted with loud cheers, roars, and shouts during each home game. I intended to get my dad a Gibbs jersey for Christmas last year, but every store had empty shelves. A bakery located in Rochester created a viral cake that realistically depicts St. Brown’s famous headstand celebration in the end zone, leading St. Brown to support the shop through public appearances and raffle giveaways.
The energy can solely be characterized as delightful. Ultimately, the nation is observing our city and recognizing all the effort we’ve invested in its reconstruction. At last, the years of misfortune are beginning to change for the better. Generations of Lions supporters uniting to see our team finally excel, at last, at last, at last.
Revitalizing a declining city through its own efforts is challenging. It’s difficult to remain devoted to a team that lacks a history of victories or wins to inspire hope. Transforming a team into what some refer to as the best in the NFL is no easy task. Detroit has demonstrated that it can accomplish all three.
This season might have concluded in letdown, but no ascent to triumph is without obstacles along the way. Even in the most successful season the Lions have experienced, they faced 16 injuries, with some being season-ending. This encompassed Aidan Hutchinson’s horrific leg injury on Oct. 13, which I observed in real time with my dad, cringing as he was transported off the field.
And we can’t overlook the devastating defeat to the Washington Commanders at the beginning of the playoffs, a setback that felt personal even with the “bye game” we secured by beating the Minnesota Vikings just two weeks prior. Kwak states that this feeling of devastation signifies a more profound psychological bond referred to as “social identification” with the Lions.
“It turns into an identity,” Kwak remarked. “You nearly view yourself as a part of the team.” Thus, when the team succeeds, it’s your triumph; however, if your team fails or loses, it feels like your pain, your defeat, or your shortcoming.
The energy can solely be characterized as joyful. Ultimately, the nation is observing our city and recognizing all the effort we’ve invested in its recovery. At last, the streak of misfortune is beginning to reverse. Generations of Lions supporters uniting to witness our team excel, finally, finally, finally.
It’s difficult to revive a declining city by its own efforts. It’s difficult to remain faithful to a team that lacks past successes or victories to inspire optimism. Transforming a team into what many refer to as the best in the NFL is a challenging task. Detroit has demonstrated that it is capable of accomplishing all three.
This season might have concluded disappointingly, but no ascent to triumph occurs without hurdles along the way. Even in their most successful season, the Lions faced 16 injuries, with some being season-ending. This encompassed Aidan Hutchinson’s horrific leg injury on Oct. 13, which I viewed live with my dad, flinching as he was taken off the field.
And we must remember the devastating defeat against the Washington Commanders at the beginning of the playoffs, a hit that felt intimate even with the “bye game” we secured by beating the Minnesota Vikings just a fortnight prior. Kwak states that this feeling of devastation reveals a more profound psychological bond referred to as “social identification” with the Lions.
“It turns into an identity,” Kwak stated. “You nearly view yourself as a part of the team.” “When the team succeeds, it’s your triumph, but if the team fails or loses, it feels like your pain, your defeat, or your shortcoming.”
That sense of identity goes beyond football in Detroit — it’s embedded in the fabric of the city. For a long time, Detroit residents have linked their identity to resilience, essential in a city that has endured years of being underestimated. The Lions’ revival reflects the city’s fight for acknowledgment and esteem.
Detroit is familiar with challenges. In Detroit, four of five children continue to reside in low-income families, and the city’s economic success is still markedly unequal across racial and ethnic groups. Educational inequalities continue to exist, with reduced enrollment in post-secondary institutions worsened by a general unawareness of federal funding options. Detroit’s ascent — similar to the Lions’ — is challenging, yet both have demonstrated they can withstand the tough aspects of the battle.
I carried these thoughts with me during my trip to Madrid in mid-January — a brief journey enabled by the wonderfully inexpensive plane tickets I caught on Black Friday. Across the ocean, I felt detached from the collective sorrow of Detroit when we were defeated in the playoff match. Due to the time zone difference and the unfortunate scarcity of sports bars showing American football, I found myself nervously refreshing the score and waiting for messages from my dad at 3 a.m. Despite unreliable Wi-Fi and dubious cell service, I sensed the burden of the challenging struggle.
0-0. “Will you be awake for the next several hours?”
“Lions 7, opponents 0!!”
“Gibbs ablaze.”
“Lions defeated 45-28.” “Things aren’t looking promising.”
“Upcoming year.” Greatest team in the history of lions. “Simply not sufficient this year.”
It was heartbreaking to see the points fade away, particularly distanced from the backing and shared sorrow of my state, yet I still experienced solace. Even as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson declared his departure to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, even as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn bid farewell to the mitten for the New York Jets, and even while I witnessed the Commanders struggle immensely in the Conference Championships, I continued to feel hope.
Years of observing my family support the Lions during both good and bad times have instilled in me the ability to endure disappointment, just as years of witnessing Detroiters unite to revitalize their city have demonstrated the courage to have faith in its future.
As the motto of Detroit states: “We aspire for improved conditions.” “It will emerge from the ruins.”