NFL · NFC North
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Detroit Lions history & legends
The Detroit Lions began in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio and moved to Detroit in 1934. That same year they started one of the NFL’s most beloved traditions: playing at home on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions compete in the NFC North.
Championship history
Detroit won NFL championships in 1935, 1952, 1953 and 1957, with quarterback Bobby Layne leading the great teams of the 1950s. After decades of struggle, the modern Lions turned things around under coach Dan Campbell, winning their first division title in 30 years in 2023 and reaching the NFC Championship Game. Detroit is still chasing its first Super Bowl appearance.
Best players in Lions history
- Barry Sanders – Hall of Famer and one of the most elusive runners ever; he rushed for 2,053 yards in 1997.
- Calvin Johnson – “Megatron,” Hall of Fame receiver who set the single-season receiving yards record in 2012.
- Bobby Layne – Hall of Fame quarterback of the 1950s championship teams.
- Joe Schmidt – Hall of Fame middle linebacker and team captain of the 1950s title teams.
- Dick “Night Train” Lane – Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the most feared tacklers of his era.
- Lem Barney – Hall of Fame cornerback and return man.
- Doak Walker – Hall of Fame halfback and kicker from the 1950s dynasty.
- Matthew Stafford – Franchise leader in nearly every passing category.
Biggest rivalries
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have been Detroit’s rivals since the 1930s, and the Bears are a frequent Thanksgiving opponent. The Minnesota Vikings round out a tough NFC North.
