The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. Here are some key facts about the franchise:

Early History and Championships:

* Originally the Portsmouth Spartans: The franchise began in 1928 as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio, joining the NFL in 1930.

* Moved to Detroit in 1934: The team was bought by George A. Richards, a radio executive, and moved to Detroit, being renamed the “Lions” to symbolize strength, similar to the city’s baseball team, the Tigers.

* Early Success: The Lions enjoyed significant success in their early years, winning four NFL Championships:

* 1935 (defeating the New York Giants)

* 1952 (defeating the Cleveland Browns)

* 1953 (defeating the Cleveland Browns)

* 1957 (defeating the Cleveland Browns)

* Thanksgiving Day Tradition: The Lions have played a home game on Thanksgiving Day almost every year since 1934, a tradition largely thanks to George A. Richards who used his radio connections to promote the game.

Post-1957 Struggles and Recent Resurgence:

* Long Playoff Droughts: Following their 1957 championship, the Lions endured a significant period of struggle, not winning a playoff game again until the 1991 season, and then not again until the 2023 season.

* No Super Bowl Appearance: They are the only franchise operational for the entirety of the Super Bowl era to have never appeared in a Super Bowl.

* Barry Sanders Era: The drafting of running back Barry Sanders in 1989 revitalized the franchise. Sanders, a Hall of Famer, played his entire career for the Lions and set numerous rushing records.

* Recent Success (2023-2024 seasons):

* In the 2023 season, the Lions broke a 31-year postseason winless streak by winning two playoff games and reaching the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.

* In the 2024 season, they achieved their best regular season record in franchise history (15-2), secured their second consecutive NFC North title, and clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time, earning a first-round bye.

Home Field and Colors:

* Current Home: The Lions currently play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit, which opened in 2002.

* Team Colors: Their primary team colors have been Honolulu blue and silver since their move to Detroit in 1934.

Notable Players:

* The Lions have had several legendary players throughout their history who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Bobby Layne, Earl “Dutch” Clark, Doak Walker, Joe Schmidt, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Alex Karras, Barry Sanders

, and Calvin Johnson.