For years, the Detroit Lions have been dubbed the “loveable losers” and “the same old Lions”. The last time the Detroit Lions won a championship was in 1957. Prior to 2024, the last time the Lions won a playoff game was in 1992. But in 2021, there was a change in scenery. In 2021, the Detroit Lions decided to bring in a large batch of new faces, which not only included players, but coaches and a general manager as well. Now, out of the NFL, the Detroit Lions have the 7th most wins in the past two seasons.
Before and during the Detroit Lions’ rise to success, countless crucial decisions had to be made. However, five key moves ultimately shaped the Lions’ success.
The first, and possibly most important move was hiring Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes. When trying to clean up the mess that former Lions Coach, Matt Patricia left, the Detroit Lions quickly realized that they needed a brand new, more “winning” culture. When Campbell and Holmes arrived in Detroit, a brand new culture was exactly what the Lions got. Immediately, Campbell made it clear to the team that their path to success was going to be based on hard work and determination. The word “grit” was placed on walls throughout team facilities and on clothing. The word served as a constant reminder of what the team wanted to be known for.
Shortly after the hiring of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions decided to trade away Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. In return, the Detroit Lions received veteran quarterback Jared Goff and a handful of draft picks. Ultimately, Holmes used those draft picks to select players including Ifeatu Melifonwu (defensive back), Jahmyr Gibbs (running back), and Sam LaPorta (tight end). All of the players just listed have proved to be solid players who have the potential to be special.
LaPorta just finished his rookie season with 889 receiving yards (4th most by a rookie tight end in NFL history) and 10 touchdowns. Gibbs was a catalyst as a rookie for the Lions in 2023, tallying 1,261 all-purpose yards and 11 total touchdowns. Despite a slow start to his career, Melifonwu posted a breakout season in 2023 and was incredible during January.
The Detroit Lions’ recent success could not have happened without the 2021 draft as well. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Holmes and the Lions selected seven players and overall had a fantastic draft. The Lions’ outstanding draft was highlighted by players like Penei Sewell (tackle) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (wide receiver). Sewell and St. Brown have turned out to be franchise cornerstones for the Lions not just because of their talent, but also because they are the perfect representation of the Lions’ culture. Sewell and St. Brown both possess a rare work ethic and let their play do the talking.
When talking about the Lions, it is impossible to forget Aidan Hutchinson. Ever since Hutchinson was taken 2nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has been electric for the Lions. Similar to Sewell and St. Brown, Hutchinson is a gritty player who takes zero plays off. In his rookie season (2022), he led all rookies in sacks with 9.5 and followed that up with an impressive 11.5 sacks in 2023. In just two seasons with the Lions, Hutchinson has already established himself as a pillar for the team and there is no chance that the Lions would be where they are if they didn’t have Hutchinson.
For what seems like the first time, the Detroit Lions are getting some real attention. West Ottawa Sr. Charlie Racelis is a Chicago Bears fan and recognizes the Lions’ success. Racelis said: “It is definitely different than normal. They were always the ‘same old Lions’, but now they look like a different team. They are a threat and are capable of winning a Super Bowl.”
When long-time Detroit Lions fan, Jr. Brylan McConnell, was asked the same question, he commented: “It has excited me to watch the team improve and start to win games. It has made me feel more confident in the team I believe that the Lions will continue to win in the future and maybe even earn a Super Bowl.”
The Detroit Lions will enter the 2024 season as one of the youngest and most exciting teams in the NFL. Expectations will be sky-high, but if the Lions can perform when the lights are brightest there is no doubt that the Lions will be competing for a Super Bowl once again.
