Detroit Lions

Founded: July 12, 1930
Team Owner: Sheila Ford Hamp
Head Coach: Dan Campbell
Team Icon: Bobby Layne
Overall Record: 570-694-34
Fight Songs: Gridiron Heroes
NFL Championships: 1935, 1952, 1953, 1957
Stadium: Ford Field (2002–present)
Stadium Capacity: 65,000
City: Detroit, MI
Previous Stadiums: Universal Stadium (1930–1933), University of Detroit Stadium (1934–1937, 1940), Tiger Stadium (1938–1939, 1941–1974), Pontiac Silverdome (1975–2001)
Website: www.detroitlions.com
Detroit Lions

This franchise began as the Portsmouth Spartans, and at the time was the second smallest city to have an NFL team only behind Green Bay. They got off to a quick start as well, tying the Chicago Bears for the best record in only their second year, only to fall 9-0 to Chicago in the title game. I bet that was a treat to watch. Dwindling attendance and the Great Depression put the team in financial turmoil. 

A group from Michigan agreed to buy the troubled franchise in 1934, and relocated the team to Detroit. The new owners named the team the Lions which was inspired by the city's baseball club, the Tigers. As the new owners explained it, “The lion is the monarch of the jungle, and we hope to be the monarch of the league.” Well done, except for that 0-16 year thing.


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