The Portsmouth Spartans were a professional American football team that played in Portsmouth, Ohio from their founding in 1928 to their relocation to Detroit in 1934 . Originally drawing players from defunct independent professional and semi-professional teams, they joined the fledgling National Football League (NFL) in 1930 . Their home stadium was Universal Stadium, known today as Spartan Municipal Stadium .
46-518: The team was sold to a new ownership group in 1934 and relocated to Detroit, where they were relaunched as the Detroit Lions — a team which remains part of the NFL today. The Spartans formed in 1928 when the team began importing players from defunct independent professional and semi-professional teams. The following year, Portsmouth residents agreed to fund the construction of a football stadium that
92-428: A "Lions" wordmark on the front. It is worn with the alternate Honolulu blue helmet featuring black stripes with silver accents and the leaping lion logo in black with silver accents. The black jersey is paired with solid black or solid Honolulu blue pants. The black jersey was a favorite of head coach Dan Campbell , who wore the original version during his playing days. According to Lions team president Rod Wood , it
138-539: A 5–6–3 (.464) overall record with the team of 1930 . Wayne Fontes was the longest-tenured head coach in Lions history, serving from 1988 to 1996 . The current head coach of the Lions is Dan Campbell , who was hired on January 20, 2021. The Lions and Chicago Bears first met in 1930 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Bears and Lions have been division rivals since 1933. As of
184-399: A Honolulu blue "Detroit" wordmark on the front. The road jersey is paired with solid Honolulu blue or solid white pants. The primary silver helmet with a Honolulu blue face mask and Honolulu blue stripes with white accents is worn with the home and road jerseys. The black alternate jersey, referred to as "Motor City Muscle", features Honolulu blue numbers and stripes trimmed in silver along with
230-406: A history of making critical comments about the Lions during his drivetime show, as a condition of any future renewal. A CBS Radio spokesperson stated that their refusal was meant to maintain the station's integrity. The Lions' flagship station returned to WXYT-FM starting with the 2021 season . In 2015, WJBK took over from WXYZ-TV as the flagship station for Lions preseason games. In 2024,
276-748: A nod to the Detroit Tigers , but also wanted to signal his goal of building a team that would be the "king of the NFL." The result of the 1932 NFL Playoff Game to determine the NFL champion between the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans counted in the standings. Prior to the 1972 season , ties did not count in the NFL standings. Therefore, the Bears (6–1–6) and the Spartans (6–1–4) were considered to be tied atop
322-443: A nod to the Detroit Tigers , but also wanted to signal his goal of building a team that would be the "king of the NFL." The result of the 1932 NFL Playoff Game to determine the NFL champion between the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans counted in the standings. Prior to the 1972 season , ties did not count in the NFL standings. Therefore, the Bears (6–1–6) and the Spartans (6–1–4) were considered to be tied atop
368-466: A professional American football team that played in Portsmouth, Ohio from their founding in 1928 to their relocation to Detroit in 1934 . Originally drawing players from defunct independent professional and semi-professional teams, they joined the fledgling National Football League (NFL) in 1930 . Their home stadium was Universal Stadium, known today as Spartan Municipal Stadium . The team
414-559: A touchdown pass from Bronko Nagurski to Red Grange . The resulting interest led to the establishment of Eastern and Western conferences and a regular championship game beginning in 1933 . During their final three years in Portsmouth, the Spartans posted a record of 23 wins, 9 losses, and 4 ties — a .718 winning percentage that was surpassed only by the Chicago Bears in the nine-team National League. Despite their success on
460-434: A touchdown pass from Bronko Nagurski to Red Grange . The resulting interest led to the establishment of Eastern and Western conferences and a regular championship game beginning in 1933 . During their final three years in Portsmouth, the Spartans posted a record of 23 wins, 9 losses, and 4 ties — a .718 winning percentage that was surpassed only by the Chicago Bears in the nine-team National League. Despite their success on
506-430: Is WXYT-FM . Dan Miller does play-by-play , Lomas Brown does color commentary, and T. J. Lang is the sideline reporter. In 2015, the team announced that they were moving from WXYT-FM to WJR for the 2016 NFL season , ending a 20-year relationship with CBS Radio . The decision to part with WXYT was reportedly instigated by a demand by the team for the station to fire on-air personality Mike Valenti , who has had
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#1732772093758552-581: Is always televised nationally, alternating between Fox in odd years and CBS in even years. In 2011, the Lions became the last NFC team to play on NBC 's Sunday Night Football since the network began airing Sunday night games in 2006. The Lions' winless performance in 2008 and 2–14 season in 2009, coupled with the effects of the Great Recession in Michigan, led to several local broadcast blackouts, as local fans did not purchase enough tickets by
598-427: Is inspired by the color of the waves off the coast of Hawaii. There have been minor changes to the uniform design throughout the years, such as changing the silver stripe patterns on the jersey sleeves, and changing the colors of the jersey numbers. "TV numbers", which are auxiliary uniform numbers to help TV broadcasters identify players from the line of scrimmage, were added to the jersey sleeves in 1956. White trim
644-405: The Portsmouth Spartans and joined the NFL on July 12, 1930. Amid financial struggles, the franchise was relocated to Detroit in 1934 and renamed the Lions in reference to the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, the Detroit Tigers . The Lions won four NFL Championship Games between 1935 and 1957 . Following the 1957 championship, the franchise did not win a playoff game until
690-636: The Rams more than any other non-divisional team with 89 total matchups over the years dating back to 1937. In the 2023–24 playoffs , the Rams and Lions met for their first postseason matchup since 1952. The Lions won 24–23 in Matthew Stafford's first game back in Detroit since being traded to the Rams. As of the 2024 season, the Rams lead the all-time series 45–43–1. The Lions' flagship radio station
736-440: The team's first year in the league , the Spartans compiled a record of 5–6–3, tying for seventh place in the eleven-team league in 1930 . Early highlights as the Portsmouth Spartans include the "iron man" game against Green Bay in 1932 . In that game, Spartans coach Potsy Clark refused to make even a single substitution against the defending NFL champion Packers. Portsmouth won 19–0 and used only 11 players all game. At
782-438: The team's first year in the league , the Spartans compiled a record of 5–6–3, tying for seventh place in the eleven-team league in 1930 . Early highlights as the Portsmouth Spartans include the "iron man" game against Green Bay in 1932 . In that game, Spartans coach Potsy Clark refused to make even a single substitution against the defending NFL champion Packers. Portsmouth won 19–0 and used only 11 players all game. At
828-585: The 1960s logo, was paired with the grey uniform. This was the first time the Lions wore a blue helmet since 1955. On April 18, 2024, the Lions unveiled a new jersey set. The home jersey, referred to as "One Pride", features a redefined Honolulu blue with white block numbers trimmed in silver and sleeves striped in silver with white accents. The home jersey is paired with silver pants with Honolulu blue stripes with white accents or solid Honolulu blue pants. The road white jersey, referred to as "the 313", features Honolulu blue block numbers, stripes trimmed in silver, and
874-639: The 1991 season and did not win another until the 2023 season. They are the only franchise operational for the entirety of the Super Bowl era to not appear in the Super Bowl. Aside from a brief change to scarlet and black from 1948 to 1950 instituted by then head coach Bo McMillin , which was influenced by his years as coach at Indiana , the Lions' uniforms have basically remained the same since they moved to Detroit in 1934–silver helmets, silver pants, and either blue or white jerseys. Glenn Presnell ,
920-525: The 2023 season, the Bears lead the series 105–78–5. The Lions and Green Bay Packers first met in 1929 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Lions and Packers have been division rivals since 1933. As of the 2024 season, the Packers lead the series 106–77–7. The Lions and Minnesota Vikings have played twice annually since the Vikings entered the NFL in 1961, excluding 1982 due to
966-683: The 72-hour blackout deadline. The first blackout in the then seven-year history of Ford Field was on October 26, 2008, against the Washington Redskins . The previous 50 regular season home games had been sellouts. The second home game of the 2009 season in which the Lions broke the losing streak, also against the Redskins, was blacked out locally, as well as the comeback victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Lions had only one blackout in 2010, yet another Redskins game, which
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#17327720937581012-649: The Browns won one. This was one of the NFL's best rivalries in the 1950s. Since the AFL–NFL merger of 1970, the teams have met much less frequently due to the Browns' move to the American Football Conference (AFC). From 2002 to 2014, the two teams played an annual preseason game known as the "Great Lakes Classic". As of the 2024 season, the Lions lead the all-time series 19–6, with three of those wins coming in postseason play. The Lions have played
1058-449: The Lions announced they would celebrate their 90th season in franchise history during the 2023 season with a commemorative logo and jersey patch. The inspiration for the patch is an homage to their logo from 1961 to 1969, which is also honored in the WCF memorial logo and the 60th commemorative season logo. On June 21, 2023, the Lions unveiled an alternate blue helmet. The helmet, which features
1104-613: The Lions honored the 75th Season All-Time Team during halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars . The team was chosen via an online fan poll and selection committee. Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Note: On September 29, 2019, the Lions honored their All-Time Team in celebration of the NFL's centennial during halftime against the Kansas City Chiefs . The team
1150-406: The Lions won 37–25. However, in 2015, the NFL suspended its blackout policies, meaning that all Lions games will be shown on local TV, regardless of tickets sold. Games were also often blacked out at the Lions' previous home, the 80,000-seat Pontiac Silverdome , despite winning seasons and the success and popularity of star players such as Barry Sanders . On June 13, 2016, the Lions announced
1196-446: The NFL encouraged teams to wear throwback jerseys on Thanksgiving Day. In 2003, the team added black trim to their logo and jerseys. The facemasks on the helmet changed from blue to black with the introduction of the new color. In 2005, the team introduced an alternate black jersey. For 2008, the team dropped the black jersey in favor of a throwback uniform to commemorate the franchise's 75th anniversary. The throwback uniform became
1242-556: The addition of cheerleaders to the organization. The team also announced that Rebecca Girard-Smoker, formerly the director of the Detroit Pistons dance team, would be the coach of the cheerleading squad. It marked the first time in over 40 years the team had an official cheerleading squad. The cheerleading squad is a part of the entertainment during football games, and active at community events. Notes Bibliography Portsmouth Spartans The Portsmouth Spartans were
1288-523: The announcers were Jason Ross Jr. with play-by-play, Golden Tate with color commentary, and Dannie Rogers with sideline reports. Games are produced by Bally Sports Detroit . Regular season games are broadcast regionally on Fox , except when the Lions play an AFC team in Detroit, in which case the game airs regionally on CBS ; however, since 2014, with the institution of the NFL's "cross flex" broadcast rules , any Lions game slated to air on Fox can be moved to CBS. The Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit
1334-455: The end of the 1932 season, the Spartans were tied for first place in the league with the Chicago Bears . That prompted what in retrospect became known as the first NFL playoff game . Blizzard conditions in Chicago meant the game was moved from Wrigley Field 's outdoor field to the indoor field at Chicago Stadium , which allowed for only an 80-yard field. The game was won 9–0 by the Bears, on
1380-399: The end of the 1932 season, the Spartans were tied for first place in the league with the Chicago Bears . That prompted what in retrospect became known as the first NFL playoff game . Blizzard conditions in Chicago meant the game was moved from Wrigley Field 's outdoor field to the indoor field at Chicago Stadium , which allowed for only an 80-yard field. The game was won 9–0 by the Bears, on
1426-427: The gridiron, the Spartans were fighting to survive off the field. The team was in so much debt that the players received shares in the team in lieu of their salaries. In 1934, a group led by George A. Richards , the owner of Detroit radio station WJR , was announced as having bought the Spartans and moved them to Detroit for the 1934 season . Richards renamed the team the Detroit Lions . He not only wanted to offer
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1472-426: The gridiron, the Spartans were fighting to survive off the field. The team was in so much debt that the players received shares in the team in lieu of their salaries. In 1934, a group led by George A. Richards , the owner of Detroit radio station WJR , was announced as having bought the Spartans and moved them to Detroit for the 1934 season . Richards renamed the team the Detroit Lions . He not only wanted to offer
1518-563: The sleeves were moved to the shoulders. In 1994, every NFL team wore throwback jerseys, and the Lions' were similar to the jerseys wore during their 1935 championship season. The helmets and pants were solid silver, the jerseys Honolulu blue with silver numbers and the jersey did not have "TV numbers" on the sleeves. The team wore solid blue socks and black cleats. The helmets also did not have logos, as helmets were simple leather back then. The Lions also wore 1950s-style jerseys during their traditional Thanksgiving Day games from 2001 to 2004 as
1564-748: The standings ahead of the Packers (10–3–1). Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit . The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The team plays their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit . The franchise was founded in Portsmouth, Ohio as
1610-697: The strike that occurred that season. As of the 2024 season, the Vikings lead the all-time series 80–44–2. The Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were also division opponents in the NFL Central from 1977 to 2001. As of the 2024 season, the Lions lead the all-time series 33–30. The Lions also share a rivalry with the Cleveland Browns , which began in the 1950s when the Browns and Lions played each other in four NFL Championship Games. The Lions won three of those championships, while
1656-480: The team from 1963 until his death in 2014. The sleeve addition replaced the black "WCF" patch on the left breast that was added after Ford's death. On September 20, 2021, the Lions wore white pants with their road white uniforms against the Green Bay Packers . The white pants, which lacked striping, were previously worn during the "scarlet and black" era in the 1948 and 1949 seasons. On April 12, 2023,
1702-404: The team's permanent alternate jersey in 2009, replacing the former black alternate. The Lions officially unveiled a new logo and uniforms on April 20, 2009. The logo was given a flowing mane and fangs, while the typeface featured a modern font. On February 1, 2017, the Lions announced a new typeface, logo, and the complete removal of the color black from the team identity. While the previous logo
1748-428: The then last surviving member of the 1934 Lions, recalled that after the Portsmouth Spartans relocated to Detroit, team owner George A. Richards asked him and his wife to pick the Lions' colors from combinations that included red and white, orange and black, and blue and silver. The Presnells liked blue and silver the best, so Richards selected it. The blue used by the Lions is officially known as "Honolulu blue", which
1794-545: Was Campbell who lobbied for the black jersey to return, which happened after the Lions won the NFC North division title in 2023 . The throwback jersey was retained and updated with the refreshed Honolulu blue. The throwback jersey is paired with a silver helmet that is worn with a silver or a Honolulu blue face mask. The William Clay Ford (WCF) memorial decal has been placed on the back of the primary and alternate helmets. In 1934, then team owner George A. Richards, who also
1840-410: Was added to the logo in 1970, with outlines (white on the blue jersey, silver on the white jersey) added to the numbers in 1972; the color arrangement on the numbers on the blue jerseys was reversed in 1982. The silver facemasks became blue in 1984. In 1998, the team wore blue pants with their white jerseys along with grey socks but dropped that combination after the season. In 1999, the "TV numbers" on
1886-489: Was chosen via fan voting, contributions from the Detroit Lions Legends Community, team executives, and select members of the media. Bold indicates those elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Note: → Coaching staff → Front office → More NFL staffs The Lions have had 30 head coaches throughout their franchise history. Their first head coach was Hal Griffen , who compiled
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1932-490: Was comparable to those in neighboring communities along the Ohio River . That approval prompted the National Football League to grant the city a franchise on July 12, 1930. The Spartans played their first NFL game at Universal Stadium on September 14. With fewer than 43,000 residents in 1930, Portsmouth became the NFL's second smallest city, ahead of only Green Bay , which had a population of under 38,000. During
1978-427: Was comparable to those in neighboring communities along the Ohio River . That approval prompted the National Football League to grant the city a franchise on July 12, 1930. The Spartans played their first NFL game at Universal Stadium on September 14. With fewer than 43,000 residents in 1930, Portsmouth became the NFL's second smallest city, ahead of only Green Bay , which had a population of under 38,000. During
2024-447: Was retained, the border was changed from black to silver. The Lions then unveiled the new uniforms on April 13, 2017, which included the white jersey and blue pants combo for the first time since 1998. They introduced an alternate all-grey uniform, an alternate all-Honolulu blue uniform, and a helmet with a silver face mask. The Lions also added the initials "WCF" to the left sleeve as a permanent tribute to William Clay Ford , who owned
2070-399: Was sold to a new ownership group in 1934 and relocated to Detroit, where they were relaunched as the Detroit Lions — a team which remains part of the NFL today. The Spartans formed in 1928 when the team began importing players from defunct independent professional and semi-professional teams. The following year, Portsmouth residents agreed to fund the construction of a football stadium that
2116-677: Was the owner of a major radio affiliate of the NBC Blue Network , WJR in Detroit, the forerunner to today's ABC , negotiated an agreement with NBC to carry his Thanksgiving game live across all of the network's stations. Excluding the years of 1939–1944, due to World War II , the Lions have played on Thanksgiving ever since. Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve 53 active, 16 reserve, 14 practice squad Notes: Special cases On November 9, 2008,
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