Lon Horwedel/Associated Press
Fans of the Detroit Lions have definitely been through a lot, and when I say a lot, I really mean through some hard times. Of course, some of those hard times include the iconic 2008 winless season, or things like never making a Super Bowl appearance. Although fans have been through some rough times, they stay strong.
Detroit fans believe that these times are over. Although I am not saying there will be a Super Bowl appearance anytime soon, although there could be, I am saying that the Lions being looked at as a bottom-tier team is officially over. I am also saying that there is potential to end the Lions 31 year playoff drought.
Thanks to the Lions high powered offense this year, the energy within the city of Detroit and within Lions fans has been revitalized.
Fans' Firm Belief
"It has been a complete change, I mean last year we were 3-13 and had a lot of close losses and now this year they're one of the best offenses in football," said Garret Dorton, a Detroit Lions fan for the last 21 years.
Dorton, along with other diehard Lions fans, were firm believers in this year's Lions, during the closeout of last season. There was a lot of hope building at the end of that season for the Lions with a big win in their season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have always found a way to crush the dreams of the Lions so closing off with a 37-30 win to slow down the Packers momentum as they went into the playoffs was big for the Lions and their fans.
"I remember last year after the season was over people in the area were already asking, 'you think they'll make the playoffs next year?' and in my mind, I was already saying yes. I know to some that would sound crazy, but now we're so close," said Gerardo Luna, another big fan of the Lions.
It may seem that this hypothetical question may become a reality for Lions fans, and boy, are they excited. Although the Lions are not in the playoffs just yet, they are deep 'in the hunt' and on the brink of playoff contention.
These last few weeks Lions fans have been showing major support for their Lions as they continue to make a playoff push. Coach Dan Campbell has been very appreciative of the support fans have been showing.
Win or Lose
No matter the outcome of the Lions season it seems that many fans are very pleased with their football team this year.
Another fan on Twitter wrote, "This year has been different then the rest. The Lions are actually showing some #onepride."
This year has been very exciting for the fans of the Detroit Lions and whether or not they make the playoffs, something has been established in the city. Hope.
In years past, people had lost hope in the Detroit Lions, but now if you take a look around the city, the blue jerseys flood the streets when the Lions play. Fans can now look back at this season and think about the big things their team was able to do.
"It means just being faithful, this city needs a winner and we've been struggling without it," said Dorton.
As I said before, the Lions may not be winning a Super Bowl this year, although they could, but they have once again won over the city of Detroit.
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