Established
1929
City
Portsmouth - Detroit
League History
1929 – Present / National Football League
Team History
1934 - Present / Detroit Lions
1929 - 1933 / Portsmouth Spartans
Nickname
Lions - The franchise began in 1929 as the Portsmouth Spartans of Portsmouth, Ohio. In 1934, Detroit radio executive George A. Richards bought the team and moved it to Detroit.
Detroit Lions Origin
Richards renamed the team the Lions, a nod to the city’s baseball Tigers, who won the American League pennant that same year. The team said the lion was the monarch of the jungle, and it hoped to become the monarch of the league.
Championship
Super Bowl 0
NFL Championship 4
1957, 1953, 1952, 1935
Stadium
2002 - Present / Ford Field
1975 - 2001 / Pontiac Silverdome
1938 - 1939, 1961 - 1974 / Tiger Stadium
1941 - 1960 / Briggs Stadium
1940 / University of Detroit Stadium
1934 - 1937 / University of Detroit Stadium
*Portsmouth*
1929 - 1933 / Universal Stadium
Owner
2020 - Present / Sheila Ford Hamp
2015 – 2019 / Martha Firestone Ford
1964 – 2014 / William Clay Ford, Sr.
1948 – 1964 / Edwin J. Anderson
1940 – 1948 / Fred Mandel
1934 – 1940 / George A. Richards
1929 – 1933 / Town of Portsmouth
- 1934
- 1963
- 1963
- 1974
- 1989
-
Detroit Lions 1934: Relocation to Detroit
Detroit Lions 1934: Relocation to Detroit In the Detroit Lions 1934 timeline, the franchise underwent a major transformation that saved it from financial collapse and gave it a new identity in a bigger market. The team, originally known as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio, had enjoyed strong on-field success but was struggling with low attendance and heavy losses during the ... -
Detroit Lions 1963: Paper Lion Story and Movie
Detroit Lions 1963: Paper Lion Story In the Detroit Lions 1963 timeline, the franchise became the unlikely backdrop for one of the most beloved sports books and movies of all time. Writer George Plimpton, known for his participatory journalism, spent time with the Detroit Lions during preseason training camp. Masquerading as a backup quarterback, Plimpton lived the life of a ... -
Detroit Lions 1963: Ford Family Ownership
Detroit Lions 1963: Ford New Owners In the Detroit Lions 1963 timeline, the franchise entered a new and important chapter when the Ford family took ownership. On November 22, 1963, William Clay Ford purchased controlling interest in the Detroit Lions from previous owners Edwin Anderson and Lyle Fife for $4.5 million. This sale marked the beginning of a long era ... -
Detroit Lions 1974: Silverdome Stadium Opens
Detroit Lions 1974: Silverdome Stadium Opens In the Detroit Lions 1974 timeline, the franchise entered a new era by moving into a modern indoor stadium. After more than 35 years at Tiger Stadium, the Lions played their final game there on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1974. They lost a snowy, emotional contest to the Denver Broncos 31–27 in front of ... -
Detroit Lions 1989: Drafting Barry Sanders
Detroit Lions 1989: Drafting Barry Sanders In the Detroit Lions 1989 timeline, the franchise made one of the best draft decisions in its history by selecting running back Barry Sanders with the third overall pick. Coming out of Oklahoma State University, where he had just won the Heisman Trophy, Sanders instantly became the cornerstone of the Lions’ offense and one ...
Barry Sanders Player History Exposed: Facts That Will Shock You!
Explore the career of one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. From his early days to his legendary moments on the field, this video uncovers the untold stories and hidden facts about Barry Sanders' player history. Discover the secrets behind his unparalleled agility, the records he set, and the legacy he left behind. We’ll explore his journey from college to becoming an NFL legend, including interviews, rare footage, and expert analysis. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or new to the sport, this comprehensive look at Barry Sanders' player history is a must-watch. Get ready to be inspired by the life and career of a true football icon.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
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Detroit Lions History
The Detroit Lions history began in 1930 when the franchise was founded as the Portsmouth Spartans. As one of the oldest teams in professional football, the Lions have built a legacy filled with both highs and lows. From their early years as an independent squad to becoming part of the Detroit Lions NFL journey, the franchise has remained a cornerstone of the league.
In 1934, the Portsmouth Spartans relocated to Detroit and became the Detroit Lions. Just one year later, in 1935, the team claimed its first NFL championship after defeating the New York Giants. This victory established a foundation of success that carried through the decades. It also marked the beginning of an important chapter in the Detroit Lions history, one that set the stage for future triumphs.
Over the years, many legends have worn the Lions uniform. Bobby Layne, Dick Lane, Lem Barney, Barry Sanders, and Calvin Johnson all left their mark on the Detroit Lions NFL legacy. Their talent brought national attention to the team, highlighted by deep playoff runs and memorable records. While championships became elusive after the 1950s, these players ensured the Lions remained relevant in every era.
Detroit Lions Achievements
Despite challenges in recent decades, the Detroit Lions history continues to inspire fans. Loyal supporters at Ford Field and beyond believe brighter days are ahead. With emerging talent and a renewed sense of determination, the Detroit Lions NFL team looks forward to writing new chapters of success. For fans, the star of Detroit football still shines with pride and hope.
The Detroit Lions history includes four NFL championships, with victories in 1935, 1952, 1953, and 1957. In addition, Hall of Fame players like Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt, and Barry Sanders left a lasting impact on the franchise. Despite challenges in later decades, the Detroit Lions NFL tradition remains strong, and the team’s loyal fan base continues to support their pursuit of future championships.
Retired Number
7 / Dutch Clark
20 / Lem Barney
20 / Billy Sims
20 / Barry Sanders
22 / Bobby Layne
37 / Doak Walker
56 / Joe Schmidt
85 / Chuck Hughes
*Blue is this team’s history
Detroit Lions Hall of Famers
Hall of Fame players, coaches and executives connected to the Detroit Lions in our Hall of Fame archive.
- Alex Karras
- Alex Wojciechowicz
- Barry Sanders
- Bill Dudley
- Bill Parcells
- Bobby Layne
- Calvin Johnson
- Charlie Sanders
- Curley Culp
- Dick “Night Train” Lane
- Dick LeBeau
- Dick Stanfel
- Doak Walker
- Don Shula
- Dutch Clark
- Dwight Freeney
- Frank Gatski
- Hugh McElhenny
- Jack Christiansen
- Joe Schmidt
- John Henry Johnson
- Lem Barney
- Lou Creekmur
- Mac Speedie
- Ollie Matson
- Otto Graham
- Y. A. Tittle
- Yale Lary