In Frenchtown Township, Michigan, Rob “Lion Eyes” Gonzales proudly displays a piece of turf from the iconic Pontiac Silverdome in his basement. Sporting his distinctive blue-shaded glasses with leaping lions embossed on silver lenses, Gonzales humorously notes that the obstructed view used to be a source of pride for him, but now reflects a renewed optimism among Detroit Lions fans. After years of struggle, the Lions are now seen as frontrunners for the Super Bowl, capturing the hearts of long-suffering supporters who are relishing this moment.
Kickoff is set for a significant matchup against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night at Ford Field, marking the start of a potentially historic postseason for a franchise striving for its first league title since 1957. The excitement is palpable, as evidenced by the soaring ticket prices. According to Vivid Seats, the average price for tickets is a staggering $836, outpacing prices in Philadelphia by over $300, and threefold compared to games in Kansas City and Buffalo. This places the Lions’ upcoming game among the top-tier ticket sales in the last decade, trailing only the Super Bowl in value.
Brittany Sayles, an assistant principal at Ann Arbor STEAM, expressed her excitement over her decision to buy tickets worth $400, noting they could fetch as much as $1,500 each on the resale market. “I remember a time when I struggled to give tickets away,” said Sayles, a Detroit season ticket holder. “Now everyone is vying for a chance to see the game.” With possibilities for a deep playoff run, she is determined to enjoy the divisional round and possibly the first NFC championship game hosted in Detroit if they conquer Washington.
Many fans of the Lions never anticipated they would witness such a turnaround for the team, which has a storied history of struggles. The franchise made its NFL debut in 1934, following four seasons as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio, and enjoyed significant success in the 1950s, claiming three championships in six years. However, after its last NFL title in 1957, the Lions saw a stark decline—recording only a single playoff win until last year. They finally broke through with two playoff victories last season, reaching the NFC championship game but falling short against San Francisco, yet remaining one of the few teams without a Super Bowl appearance.
This season, the Lions began with heightened expectations, and they’ve impressively met them. Their high-scoring, creative offense has gained popularity well beyond local fanbases, bolstered by the charismatic coaching of Dan Campbell, who famously vowed his players would “bite kneecaps” at his introduction four years ago. “The Cowboys may be America’s team, but I believe we’ve become America’s favorites,” said All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, reflecting on the extensive support from fans who have remained loyal for decades.
The resurgence of the Lions reflects the broader revitalization of Detroit itself. Once a leading American city now striving to reclaim its former glory after filing for bankruptcy in 2013, Detroit has been steadily bouncing back. “Ten to fifteen years ago, this city was in ruins,” Gonzales remarked. “Now, it’s on an upswing along with our team.”
In downtown Detroit, new life is evident, including the construction of a 685-foot skyscraper set to become the headquarters for General Motors and incorporate extensive retail and residential options. Meanwhile, the long-vacant Michigan Central Station has undergone significant renovations. The city is also witnessing the emergence of trendy restaurants and hotels while reducing crime rates to the lowest levels since 1966.
According to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, the Lions play an instrumental role in raising the morale of the fan base and showcasing what an NFL team can achieve alongside a resilient community. “What the Lions have achieved for the city is incredible,” Duggan stated. “As a devoted fan myself, I find joy in watching games not just for the play, but for the glimpses of Detroit that go nationwide.”
As for Gonzales, his underground shrine features memorabilia from the franchise’s history, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of Lions fans. After acquiring a piece of turf from the now-demolished Pontiac Silverdome, his passion for the team is emblazoned on the walls of his home, boasting autographed jerseys, game-day trinkets, and a replica championship ring from 1957. “Being a Lions fan has been a tough journey, but now we’re witnessing something exceptional,” he concluded. “This team is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”
