For years, the Detroit Lions were one of the NFL’s worst teams, but now they are Super Bowl favorites, bringing excitement and hope to long-suffering fans. Rob “Lion Eyes” Gonzales, a passionate fan, recalls how wearing his lion-themed shades in the past was a humorous way to cope with the team’s struggles. However, things have changed, and no one is laughing at the Lions anymore. For the first time, they are contenders for a Super Bowl title, facing off against the Washington Commanders in a crucial game at Ford Field.
Ticket prices have soared, with average tickets going for $836, significantly higher than other cities like Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Buffalo. Brittany Sayles, a season-ticket holder from Detroit, reflects on how ticket demand has skyrocketed—at one point, it was difficult to give away tickets, but now she is excited about being part of a historic season.
The Lions, who once dominated the NFL in the 1950s, had been plagued by decades of underperformance. After their last championship in 1957, the team only managed one playoff win until their recent resurgence. Last season, they made their first significant playoff run in decades, advancing to the NFC Championship game, though they ultimately lost. This season, they have exceeded expectations, and with a high-scoring offense and charismatic coach Dan Campbell, they’ve captured the hearts of not just Detroit but fans across the country.
The team’s success mirrors the revitalization of Detroit itself, which has been bouncing back from a difficult past, including a bankruptcy filing in 2013. New construction projects are changing the city’s landscape, with a towering new skyscraper and the renovation of the Michigan Central Station. Mayor Mike Duggan believes the Lions have played a vital role in lifting the city’s spirits and showcasing Detroit’s potential on the national stage.
For Gonzales, a lifelong fan and the 2023 Detroit Lions Fan of the Year, the journey has been long and difficult. His home is a testament to his dedication, filled with memorabilia from the Lions’ past. As the Lions rise, so does the spirit of their fans and the city they represent.
