The Detroit Lions: Older Than Your Grandpa's Knee, (Hopefully) More Mobile
So, you're curious about the Detroit Lions, huh? Maybe you're a die-hard fan with amnesia after a particularly exciting (or soul-crushing) season. Or perhaps you're a bandwagon jumper, ready to climb aboard after their recent hot streak (hey, a win's a win!). Either way, you've stumbled upon a question that's sparked the curiosity of many a football fan: just how old is this team?
From Portsmouth to the Motor City: A Tale of Two Cities (and One Really Cool Nickname)
Believe it or not, the Detroit Lions weren't always roaring in the Motor City. Their story actually begins in 1930, all the way out in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans. Don't worry, the name change makes sense. In 1934, a Detroit radio executive named George A. Richards (probably tired of explaining where Portsmouth was) swooped in, bought the team, and relocated them to Detroit. A city known for its grit and, well, lions (sort of – think car commercials), the team adopted the ferocious feline as their mascot, and the Detroit Lions were born.
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| How Old Is The Detroit Lions Franchise |
So, How Old Are We Talking Here?
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Drumroll please... The Detroit Lions franchise joined the National Football League (NFL) in 1930. That means as of 2024, they've been around for a whopping 94 years! That's older than sliced bread, television, and most of your grandpa's wardrobe (unless he's a real trendsetter).
Wait, They've Been Around That Long and They Only Have... What?
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Okay, okay, we Lions fans know the drill. Yes, despite their impressive age, the Lions haven't exactly dominated the Super Bowl scene. But hey, cut a guy some slack! They've got a rich history, four NFL championships under their belt (take that, younger teams!), and a city full of passionate fans (even if they do occasionally resort to nervous laughter).
Lions Trivia: Fun Facts That Won't Help You Win Bar Trivia (But Will Impress Your Friends)
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- The Lions were the first team to play a Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition they've (mostly) held onto ever since.
- They hold the record for the longest field goal ever kicked in a playoff game – a whopping 97 yards by freaking Jason Hanson in 1998.
How to be a Lions Fan: A Crash Course
Still on the fence about joining the pride? Here's a quick guide:
- How to embrace the rollercoaster? Easy! Develop a deep love for turtlenecks (because those defenses can be slow sometimes), celebrate every victory like it's the Super Bowl (because, well, you know), and find humor in the unexpected (because, let's be honest, it's part of the experience).
- How to deal with heartbreak? Stock up on tissues, find a therapist who specializes in sports trauma, and remember, there's always next year (famous last words?).
- How to show your team spirit? Rock that Honolulu blue and silver with pride, learn the fight song (it's a banger), and maybe consider a Barry Sanders jersey (the man was a legend).
- How to find fellow Lions fans? Look for the ones with the slightly haunted look in their eyes and a healthy dose of sarcasm. They'll be the ones cheering the loudest (and longest) after a win.
- How to (hopefully) avoid disappointment? Manage your expectations. We love our Lions, but let's be real, they're not always world-beaters. But hey, that just makes the wins all the sweeter!
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