Detroit Lions
The franchise began its life in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928. It joined the National Football League on the 12th of July 1930. Financial struggles forced a move to Detroit in 1934. Team owner George A. Richards renamed the club the Lions. This name honored the city's Major League Baseball team, the Detroit Tigers. Richards also owned WJR radio, which helped broadcast their games. The team played its first game in Detroit that same year.
Detroit claimed four NFL Championship Games between 1935 and 1957. No playoff victory followed until the 1991 season. Another win did not occur until the 2023 season. They remain the only franchise operational for the entire Super Bowl era without appearing in the championship game. The drought lasted from 1957 through 1991. Fans waited decades for another title after the last one in 1957.
Silver helmets and silver pants defined the look since moving to Detroit in 1934. Blue or white jerseys completed the early uniform set. Bo McMillin changed colors to scarlet and black from 1948 to 1950. Glenn Presnell recalled choosing blue and silver as the best option. The specific shade became known as Honolulu blue. TV numbers appeared on sleeves starting in 1956. White trim joined the logo in 1970. Black facemasks replaced blue ones in 1984. A new all-gray uniform arrived in 2017 alongside a revised logo.
George A. Richards negotiated an agreement with NBC to carry his Thanksgiving game live across all network stations in 1934. Excluding World War II years from 1939 to 1944, the Lions have played annually on that holiday. WJR radio helped broadcast these games to a wide audience. The tradition continues today with national television coverage alternating between Fox and CBS. Fans expect to see the team play every November 28th or later depending on the calendar year.
Dutch Clark wore number seven from 1934 to 1938 before it was retired on the 15th of October 1939. Bobby Layne played quarterback and kicker from 1950 to 1958 under number twenty-two. Barry Sanders ran for the team from 1989 to 1998 wearing number twenty. Billy Sims also wore number twenty from 1980 to 1984. Doak Walker played halfback and punter from 1950 to 1955 with number thirty-seven. Chuck Hughes died of a heart attack during a game on the 24th of October 1971. His number eighty-five was retired posthumously on the 28th of October 1971.
Hal Griffen served as the first head coach in 1930 with a record of five wins and six losses. Wayne Fontes held the job longest from 1988 to 1996. Dan Campbell became head coach on the 20th of January 2021. The franchise has employed thirty different head coaches throughout its history. Bill McPeak led offensive play from 1967 to 1972. Don Shula coached defense between 1961 and 1962. Mike Martz directed offense from 2006 to 2007. Ben Johnson took over that role starting in 2022.
The Lions and Chicago Bears met for the first time in 1930 when known as the Portsmouth Spartans. As of the 2025 season, the Bears lead the series one hundred five games to eighty-two. Green Bay Packers have won more matchups since joining divisional play in 1933. Minnesota Vikings entered the league in 1961 and now play Detroit twice each year. The Rams appear in more non-divisional games than any other opponent with eighty-nine total meetings. Cleveland Browns faced them four times in NFL Championship Games during the 1950s.
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Common questions
When did the Detroit Lions franchise begin and move to Detroit?
The Detroit Lions franchise began as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928 and moved to Detroit in 1934. The team joined the National Football League on the 12th of July 1930 before relocating due to financial struggles.
How many NFL Championship Games have the Detroit Lions won between 1935 and 1957?
Detroit claimed four NFL Championship Games between 1935 and 1957. No playoff victory followed until the 1991 season, and another win did not occur until the 2023 season.
What are the current uniform colors and history of the Detroit Lions jersey design?
Silver helmets and silver pants defined the look since moving to Detroit in 1934 with blue or white jerseys completing the early set. A new all-gray uniform arrived in 2017 alongside a revised logo after previous changes included scarlet and black from 1948 to 1950.
Why does the Detroit Lions play annually on Thanksgiving Day?
George A. Richards negotiated an agreement with NBC to carry his Thanksgiving game live across all network stations in 1934. Excluding World War II years from 1939 to 1944, the Lions have played annually on that holiday ever since.
Which Detroit Lions players had their numbers retired and when were they honored?
Dutch Clark wore number seven from 1934 to 1938 before it was retired on the 15th of October 1939. Chuck Hughes died of a heart attack during a game on the 24th of October 1971, and his number eighty-five was retired posthumously on the 28th of October 1971.
Who is the current head coach of the Detroit Lions and how many coaches have led the franchise?
Dan Campbell became head coach on the 20th of January 2021. The franchise has employed thirty different head coaches throughout its history including Hal Griffen who served as the first head coach in 1930.