The franchise was originally founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans(located in Ohio). Due to the great depression Detroit was considered the best place for a relocation. It is here where the team nickname would become the Lions. Years later the franchise remains. It is contributed to the strong loyalty of Detroiters that extends beyond the Lions, and to all of the area sports franchises. The city of Detroit is unquestionably one of the greatest sports town in the country.Since the move to Detroit in 1934 many important dates in history have happened. The first Thanksgiving Day game was held in 1934 in Detroit, and the rest is history. The tradition remains until this day. A year later, the Lions successfully captured their first championship. It was in the 1950s though that the Lions dominated the NFL. Three championships were won in '52, '53, and '57.As you may already be aware, there hasn't been a championship won since then. In fact, only one playoff game has been won since then. It was a 38-6 thumping of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1991 season. This is the hard truth and the franchise is not proud of this. However, without making many excuses I think it is notable that there were some factors as to why this has happened, and continues to. On the day of November 22, 1963, it was a very bittersweet day. Legend has it that on the same day that William Clay Ford purchased the Lions, our President JFK was assasinated. Perhaps this was a curse? Or was it the trade that sent Bobby Layne to Pittsburgh? Again, legend has it that Layne was quoted as saying the Lions would not win another championship for 50 years. There have also been some mediocre quarterbacks to "lead" the way.Hopefully, you see that this was once a proud franchise, and in many ways continue to be. Fans truly believe that the Lions can, and will return to the glory days.Loyal Lions fans you are encouraged to continue to remain faithful and loyal. Stay strong and keep hoping. After all that's what friends are for. The best things in life are worth waiting for.
