In a strong criticism of the Detroit Lions and their supporters, former cornerback Essang Bassey spoke bluntly after his brief time with the team.
Released two weeks after signing in August 2024, Bassey left with sharp comments about both the organization and its fanbase. He labeled the Lions’ fans as the “worst” he had experienced in his career, expressing regret for joining the team.
Bassey highlighted the lack of excitement at Lions’ home games, contrasting it with the fan energy he saw in Denver and Los Angeles. He remarked, “There was no energy. I’ve played in places where the crowd acts as the 12th man, but in Detroit, there was nothing like that.”
While Lions fans have been applauded for their loyalty through years of struggle, Bassey believes that loyalty hasn’t resulted in the passionate support needed to create a strong home-field advantage.
He stated, “In Detroit, there was no noise or chants to lift you up when you needed it. It felt like we were playing without any backing from the stands.”
Bassey’s frustration wasn’t limited to the fans. He also expressed displeasure with how the organization treated him and his teammates, hinting at broader issues within the club.
“We were abandoned by the club. It felt like we didn’t matter,” Bassey said, calling it the worst situation he had faced.
Despite recent improvements, including a playoff push, Bassey pointed out that the Lions’ fan culture hasn’t developed enough to impact the game like that of other fanbases.
He noted that Ford Field felt more like a quiet venue rather than a fortress for the team.
“There were no chants, no energy. You expect passion from the crowd, but it wasn’t there. It’s disappointing, especially when you’re fighting on the field with no energy coming from the fans.”
Now a free agent again, Bassey leaves Detroit with a bitter feeling. His experience stands as a challenge to the Lions’ fanbase, who, according to both players and pundits, have been criticized for failing to provide the game-day energy their team needs.
As the Lions aim to build on recent progress, they will need more than just better players—fans must create a stronger atmosphere at Ford Field.
Bassey’s remarks highlight a key issue with the Lions: the gap between a loyal fanbase and the passionate, vocal support needed to motivate the team. For Bassey, his time in Detroit was a disappointment, and his message is clear—the Lions and their fans need to elevate their game.
