I think when people look at me they wouldn’t predict that I’m a big Lions fan, unless it’s game day of course. I don’t think I’ve missed a chance to wear my Detroit gear all season. I’ve never been athletic or sporty, and I’m a woman, so finding out I closely follow an NFL team surprises some people.
But I’m not just a casual fan. I’m not just tuning in because the 2024-25 Lions are doing well. I take my Lions very seriously. I think I have this heartbeat for the lions that is shared collectively with a lot of others right now.
These are our boys. This is our city. This is our team. Motor City football has had this way of always being near my milestones and family moments. That still applies, but now there is finally evidence that this is a franchise worth supporting and fighting for. I mean, we all hoped for that for so long, but now, the whole world is seeing it.
When I first was allowed to make a Facebook account as a teenager, I used to post statuses asking if anyone stayed up late enough to see the score because I had a bedtime and never stayed awake until the end. When my aunt used to host Thanksgiving every year, the meal was always followed by a couch nap crash with the lions on the tv. I remember the excitement of the beginning of the Stafford years. Seeing our home team actually score some points felt really good, and I kept up hope even when those points didn’t climb. The lions have always been there. I’ve always owned them as a part of my home, but with that home usually came a really disappointing game and season. Someday we wouldn’t just be the same old lions right?
Just in case you aren’t following, this year is different. The Detroit Lions have never really known many wins, but they did know how to stand back up and play after being kicked down and spit on. This season’s Lions team has proved that spirit more than ever. Break us down all you want. We bite back.
As a fan, I have to say, “Thank you.”
This is a story of resilience. It’s the world labeling an entire group as one thing, and instead of succumbing to that label, they work their hearts out to rise from the ashes, brand new, and stronger than they’ve ever been.
I don’t know if you really have any idea what a message like that means, Detroit Lions. The gravity of using the pain of the past to fuel your strength in the present speaks so loud. As a trauma survivor, thank you. Thank you for fighting. Thank you for showing the truth that you are more than what the rest of the world might say. Thank you for proving that we can be capable of more than we give ourselves credit for, and if we go together, we’ll get there faster.
I had a lot working against me growing up. A lot of people I trusted hurt me when I was already vulnerable. I had to fight hard against my own insecurities to believe I was capable of being more than just another statistic or sad story. But truthfully, I was and I am so much more than any one label. I refuse to ever be defined by my past. I went to college and graduated with a degree as a first generation college student. I am making and maintaining life long, meaningful relationships. I have a job where I actively get to serve my community and teach others the value of doing that. If I had just listened to the negativity, even from my own brain, I wouldn’t be sitting right here, doing what I’m doing.
That’s why I resonate with this team on a soul level.
This is my story and their’s. This is our story. The intense unity amongst Lions fans is unreal right now. We all bleed Honolulu blue and know what it’s like to preserve through pain.
I feel like Hutch and Dan Campbell are family. Aaron Glenn could be my sweet, furiously encouraging uncle. I’m helping teach my two year old niece to say, “Go lions!” When we watch “putball.” Some of my favorite moments from the past few years with my favorite people have been gathered around the screen doing celebratory dances when our boys make it to the endzone. The Lions Den is family, dude.
We know what we want to do. We know where we want to go. But just know, your city, your state, your fans, and your country are already so proud of you, Detroit Lions. Thank you for such an inspiring, entertaining season. Thank you for teaching your fans the possibilities of overcoming adversity. Thank you for what your grit and love are teaching young people watching you everyday. We love you!
Here’s to 3 more wins.
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