The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s biggest storylines this season. Riding an impressive winning streak, they’re looking to add another victory on Sunday, October 5, when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. Even during the down years—scratch that, the down decades—Detroit fans have stuck by their team through thick and thin. That loyalty is what makes Michigan one of the strongest football states in the country, no matter what the record books say.
But Friday, October 3, brought a gut punch to Michigan football fans. The United Football League (UFL) confirmed that the Michigan Panthers will not be playing in Detroit—or anywhere in Michigan—next season. The league has made the official call to relocate the franchise, with the team’s new home expected to be announced next week.
“After a thorough analysis of all markets and venues, the United Football League has made the difficult decision to depart from the Michigan, Memphis, and San Antonio markets,” UFL president Russ Brandon said in a statement. He cited “stadium constraints” and explained that the league’s new direction is to prioritize “smaller, more intimate settings that elevate the fan experience.”
That means Ford Field will no longer host the Panthers in the spring. While the UFL will still operate as an eight-team league in 2026, only five current franchises are staying put: the Birmingham Stallions, Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, St. Louis Battlehawks, and Houston Roughnecks. For Michigan fans, it’s a bittersweet farewell. While the Panthers never fully caught on in Detroit compared to the Lions, they provided offseason football and gave fans another team to root for. Now, that spring tradition is gone.
Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff Gets Props
On a brighter note, all eyes remain on the Lions and quarterback Jared Goff. He’s been dialed in, showing exactly why Detroit is being viewed as a contender. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked Goff as the No. 3 quarterback in the NFL in a piece published Wednesday, October 1.
“Ever since Detroit’s tough start against the Packers, Goff’s been locked in as the machine-like pocket passer he is when provided decent protection,” Benjamin wrote. Goff is completing nearly 74% of his passes while leading the league’s highest-scoring offense.
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm also has the Lions at No. 3 in the league’s latest power rankings. While Detroit’s offense wasn’t explosive against Cleveland, Edholm noted that “no one has been against that defense.” Still, the Lions’ ability to take care of the football while minimizing mistakes keeps them firmly among the NFL’s elite.
Goff may not always get the spotlight he deserves, but this season, he’s proving to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league—and any fantasy football owner who snagged him is reaping the rewards.
