How Long Have the Fords Been Cruisin' with the Detroit Lions? Buckle Up, It's a Long Ride!
Ever wondered why the Detroit Lions' mascot isn't a sleek, high-octane Mustang but a ferocious (debatable) lion? Well, the answer might lie in the fact that the Fords, of Ford Motor Company fame, have been steering the ship (or should we say, prowling the pride?) for a whopping over 60 years. That's a lot of tailgates, touchdowns (well, maybe not that many), and yes, even a sprinkle of heartbreak.
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| How Long Have The Fords Owned The Detroit Lions |
From Minority Owner to Head Honcho: William Clay Ford Sr. Revs Up the Engine
William Clay Ford Sr., the youngest son of Edsel Ford, wasn't always the sole owner. He started out in 1961 as a minority owner and the team president. But like a shrewd businessman, he saw an opportunity roar into view. A power struggle between the then-owners cracked the team's foundation. Seizing the moment like a clutch interception, Ford Sr. swooped in, buying out the other shareholders in 1964 and becoming the king of the jungle (or at least the Ford Field jungle).
Six Decades and Counting: A Legacy of Loyalty (and Maybe a Touch of Frustration)
For over six decades, the Ford family has been synonymous with the Detroit Lions. They've seen the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating (we're looking at you, multiple blown playoff chances). Die-hard Lions fans might joke that the Fords should have stuck to building cars instead of football teams, but there's no denying their commitment to the team and the city.
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Here's the thing: Ford Sr. was a true fan. He wasn't just in it for the money (although, let's be honest, owning a football team isn't exactly a budget vacation). He loved the game and poured his heart into the Lions. That passion seems to have trickled down to the next generation, with Martha Firestone Ford and their children now at the helm.
So, will the Fords ever sell the team? Only time will tell. But for now, it seems the Ford family is in it for the long haul, ready to navigate the ups and downs of professional football alongside the ever-hopeful fans of Detroit.
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How Long Have the Fords Owned the Detroit Lions? FAQs
1. How long have the Fords owned the Detroit Lions? Over 60 years, with William Clay Ford Sr. taking full ownership in 1964.
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2. Did the Fords always own the Lions? Nope! Ford Sr. started as a minority owner and team president before buying out the other shareholders.
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3. Are the Fords going to sell the Lions? That's a mystery only the Fords themselves can answer.
4. Isn't owning a football team stressful? Let's just say it's not all sunshine and Super Bowl rings for the Fords.
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5. Do Lions fans love the Fords? It's a complicated relationship, filled with loyalty and, well, a healthy dose of good-natured ribbing.
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