The Detroit Lions are preparing for one of their biggest games ever on Sunday, January 5, against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. This game carries enormous weight.
The winner will claim the NFC’s top seed, secure the NFC North title, and get a first-round playoff bye with home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser drops to the fifth seed and must play away in the wild-card round.
Before this critical game, the Lions made a significant announcement regarding the matchup.
Detroit Lions Hint at Game-Day Look Against Vikings
On New Year’s Eve, just before midnight, the Lions posted on X, hinting at the return of their black uniforms for the Vikings game.
“Guess what’s back, back again,” the post read, referencing Eminem’s song “Without Me.”
When the Lions have teased their black alternate uniforms this season, they’ve always followed through, essentially confirming the attire for the game. It’s a welcomed sight compared to the gray uniforms from last season.
Justin Rogers from Detroit Football Network responded to a fan on X about the black jerseys making a comeback for the final regular season game.
“Uniforms are chosen and approved by the league pre-season,” Rogers said. “The Lions picked throwbacks for Week 18 (the third time in Campbell’s four years) back in June. I don’t know of any way to change that mid-season.”
This will be the third time the Lions wear black this year. They wore them in Week 4 against Seattle, winning 42-29, and again in Week 15 against Buffalo, losing 45-42. So far, they’re 1-1 in black.
Dan Campbell Delivers Another Passionate Speech
Following the Lions’ Monday night victory over the 49ers on January 30, Campbell delivered another intense locker room speech.
“I’ve got so much respect for you guys,” he said. “I know what this game meant, and there’s all this talk about how important it was. I respect you all for how you approached it.”
He praised the team’s competitive spirit. “I can’t even explain it, man. I really can’t.” He expressed love for the players, making for a heartfelt moment.
“Listen, we did it. We got 14 wins,” Campbell noted. “When we hit 13, that was a franchise record. Fourteen is even bigger. 8-0 on the road, another record. That shows we can win anywhere.”
Campbell then turned his focus to the Vikings game, emphasizing the significance. “You can’t ask for more – division title and top seed on the line at home. This is why we do this, man.”
