Detroit Lions

Lore & Background

The franchise was founded in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928 and joined the NFL on July 12, 1930. Amid financial struggles, the franchise was relocated to Detroit in 1934 and renamed the Lions in reference to the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, the Detroit Tigers. The Lions won four NFL Championship Games between 1935 and 1957. Following the 1957 championship, the franchise did not win a playoff game until the 1991 season and did not win another until the 2023 season. They are the only franchise operational for the entirety of the Super Bowl era to not appear in a Super Bowl.

In Their Own Story

The sequence of events for Raymond in late 2008 illustrates the volatile nature of NFL practice squads. Having cycled through the Jets' practice squad multiple times between September 1 and September 29, he landed with Detroit on October 14. He remained there until December 24, when the team released him. His release from Detroit coincided with a shift in his career path, as he was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad on December 31, 2008. This signing happened only because Rashad Barksdale was activated from the Giants' practice squad that same day, opening a slot for Raymond to fill.

Reader's Guide

The Lions' uniforms have basically remained the same since they moved to Detroit in 1934–silver helmets, silver pants, and either blue or white jerseys. The blue used by the Lions is officially known as 'Honolulu blue', inspired by the color of the waves off the coast of Hawaii. The team has worn throwback uniforms in various seasons, including 1994, 2001–2004, 2008, and 2009. In 2017, the Lions removed black from the team identity and added the initials 'WCF' to the left sleeve. In 2023, they celebrated their 90th season with a commemorative logo and jersey patch, and unveiled an alternate blue helmet. On April 18, 2024, the Lions unveiled a new jersey set including home, road, black alternate, and throwback uniforms. The black alternate jersey was a favorite of head coach Dan Campbell, who lobbied for its return. Throughout the 2024 season, the silver pants were only worn once, and the throwbacks were not worn at all. On August 25, 2026, the Lions unveiled a silver 'Rivalries jersey' referred to as 'Defend the Den'.

Did You Know?

• The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934 except during World War II (1939–1944).
• The Lions are the only franchise operational for the entirety of the Super Bowl era to not appear in a Super Bowl.
• The team's Honolulu blue color was chosen by Glenn Presnell and his wife at the request of owner George A. Richards.