The Detroit Lions: From Humble Beginnings to the Motor City Mayhem (And a Name Change)
Ah, the Detroit Lions. A team known for their grit, their passionate fans (die-hard might be a better word?), and...well, let's just say their Super Bowl appearances are about as frequent as Halley's Comet. But hey, even the most legendary franchises gotta start somewhere, right? And the Lions' origin story is a knee-slapper (well, maybe more of a chuckle).
 |
| What Were The Detroit Lions Called Before 1934 |
So, what were they called before they were, well, Lions?
Brace yourselves, because this might break the internet (or at least your sense of underwhelming team names). Before they were kings of the jungle in Detroit, the Lions were actually...wait for it...the Portsmouth Spartans. Yes, you read that right. The Portsmouth Spartans.
I mean, come on, Portsmouth, Ohio? Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely town, but it doesn't exactly scream "intimidating NFL franchise." Imagine the headlines: "The Portsmouth Spartans are clawing their way to victory!" Not exactly striking fear into the hearts of opponents, is it?
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Why the Name Change?
Well, as the story goes, the Portsmouth Spartans were having a bit of a rough financial time. So rough, in fact, that they were about to pack up shop and head back to their moms' basements (because let's face it, that's where most struggling football teams probably originated).
Enter a Detroit radio executive named George A. Richards. This guy saw potential in the Spartans, like a diamond in the rough (or maybe a slightly tarnished silver spoon). He swooped in, bought the team for a cool $8,000 (which, in 1934, was basically the price of a good cup of coffee), and moved them to Detroit.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
But a team relocation demands a name change, right? Detroit, the Motor City, needed a team with some teeth, some claws, some...lion-esque ferocity! And thus, the Detroit Lions were born.
Sure, it wasn't the most original name (looking at you, Jacksonville Jaguars!), but it fit the city and it certainly had more bite than the Portsmouth Spartans.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
 |
So, the moral of the story?
Never underestimate the power of a good name change. And hey, maybe if the Lions ever do make it to the Super Bowl, they'll owe it all to Mr. Richards and his shrewd decision to ditch the Spartans for something a little more ferocious.
Frequently Asked Questions (Lion-Edition)
How to become a Detroit Lions fan? Easy! Just strap yourself in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
How to celebrate a Detroit Lions win? This one's tricky. Consult local historians for advice, as it's been a while.
How to convince your friends the Lions are going to the Super Bowl this year? This requires a healthy dose of optimism and perhaps a time machine set for February.
How to explain the lack of Super Bowl appearances to your kids? Age-appropriate honesty is key. "Sometimes, even the best lions take a long nap before they pounce."
How to avoid getting discouraged by the Lions? Focus on the fans! They're some of the most dedicated (and slightly masochistic) in the league.
 |
