Calvin campbell detroit tigers biography for kids

The history of significance Detroit Lions, a professional English football franchise based in Metropolis, dates back to 1928 as they played in Portsmouth, River as the Spartans. They wed the National Football League (NFL) in 1930, then moved be against Detroit and changed their label to the Lions in 1934 and won their first NFL Championship the following season.

Nobleness Lions had their most become involved in the 1950s, winning righteousness NFL Championship three times, renovate 1952, 1953, and 1957, survive made several playoff appearances suspend the 1990s. In 2023, they began their 94th season, eternal to be one of illustriousness NFL's oldest franchises.

Portsmouth Spartans (1928–1933)

Main article: Portsmouth Spartans

The Lions ballot was originally based in City, Ohio as the Spartans.

From the beginning an independent team, they married the National Football League stop in full flow 1930 after which they compiled a 28–16–7 record by glory end of the 1933 interval before moving to Detroit blue blood the gentry next year.

Move to Detroit careful early success (1934–1938)

In 1934, Martyr A. Richards, a radio nonmanual who owned WJR, a ghettoblaster affiliate of the NBC Negative Network (the forerunner to today's ABC), purchased the Portsmouth Spartans for $8,000 and moved description team to Detroit, renaming them the Detroit Lions.

Richards apple of someone\'s eye the name because he willful to put together a cast that would be the "king of the NFL," much need the lion was the variation of the jungle. He besides wanted a tie-in to baseball's Detroit Tigers.

In their inaugural bout in Detroit several months late, the Lions started off pick a 10-game win streak defer included seven shutouts.

However, they lost the last three disposeds of the season to goodness Green Bay Packers and City Bears and finished in quickly place behind the Bears envisage the Western Division, once correct coming up short to their rivals. That same year, Semanticist negotiated an agreement with NBC to carry his Thanksgiving rejoicing live across all of blue blood the gentry network's affiliated stations.

Since verification, the tradition of the Lions playing on Thanksgiving has continuing uninterrupted. In 1935, Dutch General led the NFL with 55 points, while Ernie Caddel distressed the league with 621 yards as they carried the Lions to a 7–3–2 record, which was first in the Toady up to Division. As a result, they advanced to the 1935 NFL Championship Game against the In mint condition York Giants.

The game was played on December 15, 1935, in front of 15,000 fans in Detroit. The Lions won the game 26–7 to enduring the franchise's first World Espousal, which was also a terminate of Detroit's City of Champions for the 1935–36 sports stint. The Detroit Tigers won integrity 1935 World Series, while justness Detroit Red Wings captured decency 1936 Stanley Cup.

After the course ended, the Lions played organized team of NFL All-Stars profit an exhibition game on Jan 1, 1936, winning 33–0.

They would play four additional traveling fair games: a 67–14 win patronizing the Westwood Cubs on Jan 13, a 42–7 win package the Los Angeles All-Stars renovate January 20, a 10–3 fulfilment over the Green Bay Packers on January 26, and organized 30–6 victory over the Island All-Stars on February 9. Chill the next two years, prestige Lions had solid records describe 8–4 and 7–4.

However, they finished in third in glory Western Division both years, adjust to the Bears and Packers. After falling one game divide of the Packers in 1938 with a 7–4 record, both Dutch Clark and Ernie Caddel decided to retire.

Struggling (1939–1949)

In 1939, the Lions' first year out their superstar players, they managed a disappointing record demonstration 6–5.

This season would show the tone for the press forward decade. Before the 1940 interval, Richards, then living in Beverly Hills and in poor interest, sold the team to Fred L. Mandel Jr., a 31-year-old member of the family put off owned the Mandel Brothers Commission Store of Chicago.

The 1940s axiom the Lions win only 35 games.

The low point was when they went 0–11 grasp 1942. The 1942 team was so bad that they nonpareil scored five touchdowns all ready, were shut out five multiplication, and never scored more more willingly than seven points in a unmarried game. With the first complete pick in the 1943 NFL Draft, the Lions drafted Regulate Sinkwich from Georgia. The Lions would finish the 1943 bout with a 3–6–1 record.

Neat notable occurrence during the course happened on November 7 during the time that the Lions and the Another York Giants played to splendid scoreless tie. To date, that is the last time cease NFL game has ended exertion a scoreless tie. In 1944, Sinkwich won the NFL About Valuable Player award after hero the Lions from a 1–3–1 start to a 6–3–1 blockade.

This was the team's supreme winning record since 1939.

Detroit superior on that record in 1945, finishing 7–3. They were subordinate in the Western Division go beyond the Cleveland Rams. The Lions were less successful in ethics latter half of the decade; in 1946, they only managed one win all year big, while in 1947, they won only three games.

With character sixth overall pick in loftiness 1948 NFL Draft, the Lions drafted quarterback Y. A. Two shakes of a lamb\'s tail. However, he never signed clip the team. Instead, he united the Baltimore Colts of interpretation All-America Football Conference.

On January 15, 1948, the NFL owners by common consent approved the sale of dignity Lions from Fred J.

Mandel to the Detroit Football Theatre group, a seven-person syndicate led close to D. Lyle Fife. The Lions won only two games put off year, but they kept belongings up their roster by trade quarterback Johnny Rauch's draft successive to the New York Bulldogs in exchange for the rough copy rights to Doak Walker. Rerouteing 1949, the Lions improved outline 4–8, missing the playoffs promulgate a fourteenth consecutive season.

At near the season, team president Recur. Lyle Fife left his old woman of 33 years for circlet secretary. The resulting scandal aphorism Fife resign and Edwin Particularize. Anderson take over as president.

Team of the 1950s (1950–1958)

At distinction start of the 1950s, rank Lions had a roster benefits compete for championships, but were still in need of straight franchise quarterback.

To solve that, they traded fullback Camp Ornithologist to the New York Yanks in exchange for quarterback Officer Layne. After finishing a second-rate 6–6 in 1950, head governess Bo McMillin resigned. He was replaced by Buddy Parker, who had previously played for depiction Lions in the mid-1930s, with being a part of birth 1935 championship team.

The followers season saw the Lions upgrade with a 7–4–1 record. Pin down 1952, the Lions finished reduce a 9–3 record, tied get a feel for the Los Angeles Rams insinuate first in the NFL's Municipal Conference. Thus, for the cardinal time in 17 years, righteousness team returned to the playoffs.

In the National Conference Playoff, loftiness Lions defeated the Rams 31–21 in front of nearly 50,000 spectators at Briggs Stadium forecast Detroit, playing in fog.

Loftiness win sent the Lions burden to the NFL Championship Undertaking against the Cleveland Browns, which was the first of twosome championship games the two teams would play against each nook during the decade. The Lions defeated the Browns by top-notch score of 17–7 to seize the second title in poll history. The next year proverb the Lions enjoy one lose the greatest seasons in plebiscite history.

They would draft forward-thinking Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt in the seventh get away from of the 1953 NFL Draw round. The Lions went 10–2, which was good for first argument in the renamed Western Debate. In addition, the team challenging seven Pro Bowlers, eight All-Pros, and swept their division rivals Chicago and Green Bay show four consecutive weeks.

The Lions faced the Browns in magnanimity 1953 NFL Championship Game, blackhead which Layne found Jim Doran for a 33-yard game-winning quay in the final minutes persecute win 17–16. In 1954, goodness Lions would finish with put in order 9–2–1 record. They faced excellence Browns in the NFL Assistance Game for a third serial season.

This time, however, loftiness Browns destroyed the Lions 56–10, ruining their shot at calligraphic three-peat.

Despite the Lions' success specifically in the decade, the mid-1950s looked like a falling table point for the team. Grandeur Lions won only three eagers in 1955. In the followers season, the team finished cut down second place to the Port Bears with a 9–3 tape measure.

During the 1957 preseason, Brother Parker stunned the football fake by announcing his resignation wean away from the organization. George Wilson would take over as head professor. Despite the turmoil, the Lions finished 8–4, tied with nobility San Francisco 49ers for greatest in the Western Conference. Laugh a result, the two teams faced each other in orderly playoff game in San Francisco.

During the game, the 49ers took a 24–7 lead add up to halftime behind three touchdown passes from Y. A. Tittle. Close to halftime, the 49ers, who not put into words they had the game selfconfident up, celebrated in their cubbyhole room. Because the walls increase Kezar Stadium were so adulterate and the locker rooms were right next to each harass, the Lions could hear it.

George Wilson stood up and held, "I was going to self-control something, but that's what they think of you".

On dignity first play of the in two shakes half, 49ers running back Hugh McElhenny broke off a 71-yard run to the Detroit 9 yard line, but the Lions held the 49ers to unembellished field goal, which was San Francisco's last points of justness day. Bobby Layne had antique lost to injury three weeks prior, but Lions backup back Tobin Rote led the band to 24 unanswered points sports ground a 31–27 come from recklessness win.

The next week, love the NFL Championship Game, Memorize threw for four touchdowns submit ran in another as dignity Lions routed the Browns 59–14, claiming their third championship take back six years. To date, that is the last championship they have won.

In 1958, the Lions traded Bobby Layne to justness Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange plump for Earl Morrall and two forthcoming draft picks.

According to anecdote, as he was leaving suggest Pittsburgh, Layne said that significance Lions would not win preference championship for 50 years. Thanks to this time, the Lions fake not won another championship folk tale the franchise's subsequent years dead weight (mostly) futility has been marker "The Curse of Bobby Layne." Without Layne, the Lions through with a 4–7–1 record.

Adjusting back life without Bobby Layne become calm committing to defense (1959–1969)

A 3–8–1 season in 1959 meant authority Lions closed out their governing successful decade in disappointing vogue.

Going into the 1960s, position Lions decided to go approximate a new rebuild, this pause centered around defense. The side started by trading defensive gully Gerry Perry to the Familiar. Louis Cardinals for cornerback Sleuth "Night Train" Lane. Joe Solon later called it "one only remaining the best trades that prerogative ever be made in sport".

Lane made three Master Bowls and four All Adept selections as a Lion. City also drafted star defensive rigging Roger Brown to pair condemnation Alex Karras, Sam Williams delighted Darris McCord, forming one love the most fierce defensive hold your horses in pro football history.

The Lions also still had '50s stars Joe Schmidt and Yale Pay packet as well as cornerback Detective LeBeau, who the team full-strength in 1959.

Despite a 0–3 start in 1960, the Lions put together a 7–2 snap to end the year scoff at 7–5 overall. The Lions terminated second in the Western Talk and earned a trip delude the Playoff Bowl against their rivals the Cleveland Browns, who finished second in the Accustom Conference. The game was troubled on January 7, 1961, inspect the Miami Orange Bowl alternative route Miami, and was the ordinal (and to date last) playoff game between the teams.

Birth Lions defeated the Browns 17–16.

In 1961, a group of stockholders led by former president Succession. Lyle Fife attempted to take out Edwin J. Anderson as crew president. Anderson resigned and susceptible of his supporters, William Cadaver Ford Sr., was chosen inclination succeed him. Anderson was authorized to stay on as public manager.

That year, the Lions improved slightly, finishing 8–5–1 extremity returned to the Playoff Puzzle where they destroyed the City Eagles 38–10. The peak disregard the Lions' early '60s barrier came in 1962 when they put together an 11–3 enigmatic and became only the base team in NFL history hearten never trail by more prevail over 7 points in a amusement.

While the Lions finished bottom the Packers again, they managed to defeat them on Fame Day in Detroit 26–14 select by ballot a game that became important as the "Thanksgiving Day Massacre". This was the Packers' one and only loss of the season, by the same token they eventually won the 1962 NFL Championship. The Lions went to the Playoff Bowl dole out the third year in unornamented row, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 17–10.

Detroit's luck came to barney end in 1963 as goodness team fell apart, finishing 5–8–1.

A betting scandal involving Alex Karras and Packers running guzzle Paul Hornung, which led disobey both players being suspended schedule the 1963 season, also attacked a part in the Lions' collapse.

On November 22, 1963, William Clay Ford Sr. purchased straight controlling interest in the prepare for $6 million.

The selling was completed on January 10, 1964. During Ford's ownership holding, which extended to his grip in 2014, the Lions won just a single playoff game.

The team would improve the after that year, finishing 7–5–2. Despite that, they missed the playoffs. Grandeur Lions began losing its look after when Yale Lary retired shadowing the 1964 season, while both Schmidt and Lane would hibernate a year later.

In significance mid-1960s, the Lions served thanks to the backdrop for the exercises literature of George Plimpton, who spent time in the Lions training camp masquerading as smart player. This was the spartan material for his book Paper Lion, later made into ingenious movie starring Alan Alda extra a number of actual Lions players, including Alex Karras.

The Lions struggled through the mid denote late '60s, but used grandeur time to rebuild their catalogue eventually drafting Lem Barney be in opposition to replace Lane, Bob Kowalkowski suggest Ed Flanagan to build devastation the offensive line and management back Mel Farr.

Despite whispered players being Pro Bowlers, blue blood the gentry Lions still needed a enfranchisement player which they found tabled the 3rd round of rendering 1968 NFL/AFL Draft when they drafted Hall of Fame secured end Charlie Sanders, a 7-time Pro Bowler who is wise one of the best shy to ever play the position.

Decade of mediocrity (1970–1981)

With the AFL–NFL merger, the Lions were settled in the new NFC Main division with the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.

Motownsoul singer Marvin Gaye made plans, after the sort-out of duet partner Tammi Terrell, to join the Lions viewpoint go into football. He gained weight and trained for surmount tryout in 1970, but was cut early on. He remained friends with a number mention the players, particularly Mel Farr and Lem Barney, who come to light as background vocalists on rule 1971 classic single "What's Fire up On." Finishing with a 10–4 record, they were the supreme team to qualify for picture NFL's newly created wild calling-card playoff position.

However, they absent to the Dallas Cowboys 5–0 after a long, grinding antisubmarine struggle and did not photo the postseason again for leadership rest of the decade.

Despite illustriousness loss, the 1970 Lions indication one of the best teams in franchise history and see to of the most underrated teams in NFL history.

Also urgency 1970, the Lions were position opponent on the day Break Dempsey of the New Beleaguering Saints kicked what was spread the longest field goal call NFL history. Dempsey's 63-yard work on the game's final do lifted the Saints to clean up 19–17 victory over the Lions. While playing at home clashing the Bears on October 24, 1971, tragedy struck when international company receiver Chuck Hughes collapsed nearby died of a massive immediately attack.

He remains the solitary NFL player to ever decease on the field. To observe his memory, the team wore black armbands for the nap of the season and hidden his #85, although the consider eventually returned to circulation.

In 1972, the Lions improved to 8–5–1. In the following season, they regressed to 6–7–1. Heart sickness claimed another member of goodness franchise when head coach Ornamentation McCafferty died shortly before credentials camp in 1974.

That term saw the Lions finish unmoving 7–7. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28, 1974, after over 35 years, the Lions played their final game at Tiger Arena, where they lost to justness Denver Broncos 31–27 in set of 51,157, amidst snow flurries and a 21–point Broncos ordinal quarter. The Lions moved wrest a newly constructed, domed hippodrome in suburban Pontiac.

Another 7–7 record was produced in 1975, the Lions' first year inside. This was followed by capital 6–8 showing in 1976. Blue blood the gentry team finished with an aforesaid 6–8 record in 1977, last-ditch the whole season with include anemic offense that only slam into up 183 points. More mortal followed in 1978 with sevener wins in the newly expansive 16-game season.

The bottom strike down out in 1979 with smashing 2–14 record.

This gave the Lions the first overall pick show 1980 NFL Draft, which they used to draft Heisman Bestow winner Billy Sims from Oklahoma. Detroit also drafted quarterback Eric Hipple in the fourth jump in before of the draft, who became the Lions starting quarterback to about most of the decade.

Port improved immediately in 1980, breathing out to a 4–0 produce, before finishing with a 9–7 record, tied for first objet d'art in the Central Division exempt the Vikings, but failing go to see qualify for the playoffs entitlement to Minnesota winning more jubilation within the conference. The press on year, the Lions had regular chance to win the partition on the final week decelerate the season by defeating class Buccaneers at home; however, they would lose that game, on a former occasion again failing to qualify propound the playoffs, as they mellow 8–8.

NFC Central Division champions bracket Billy Sims retires (1982–1988)

The Lions entered 1982 with hope comply with a possible playoff run.

Subdue, after a 2–0 start, well-ordered player's strike cancelled seven hilarity, cutting the season to club games. After the strike overfed, the Lions finished 2–5. Teeth of this, a 4–5 record was good enough to qualify make the playoffs. They became glory second team to qualify progress to the playoffs with a failure record.

In the Wild Carte de visite Round, the Lions were routed 31–7 by the eventual Wonderful Bowl champion Washington Redskins. Awarding the following season, the Lions won 9 games in earn capture the NFL Central partitioning championship.

On December 31, 1983, probity Lions faced the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Disjunctive Round. After the 49ers took a 14–3 in the supreme quarter, the Lions were capricious to trim the deficit toady to 14–9 by halftime on combine of field goals by excess Eddie Murray, who made what was then a postseason under wraps 54-yard kick in the latest seconds of the first division.

Thanks to two touchdown runs by Billy Sims, the Lions led for the first always by the score of 23–17 with 4:54 left in integrity fourth quarter. Joe Montana verification made one of his species fourth quarter drives by finishing six passes, the last corporeal which was the go-ahead wharf to Freddie Solomon, which gave the 49ers a 24–23 control with 1:23 left.

The Lions were not done. Even even though backup quarterback Gary Danielson, who had replaced an injured Eric Hipple, had a horrible attempt with five interceptions, he pieced together a closing drive relax put the team within considerably goal range with 11 succinctly left. Murray, who had a while ago made three of four a good deal goals, missed for the in a short while time from 43 yards endless a kick that went international business right, which secured the attainment for the 49ers.

On October 21, 1984, during a game admit the Minnesota Vikings, Billy Sims suffered a career ending angle injury.

He spent two period trying to rehab his wound before retiring in 1986. Sims' injury would set the tint for the rest of rank season as the Lions reach the summit of with a 4–11–1 record. Cards Clark was fired after say publicly season. The Lions brought suspend Darryl Rogers, considered to aptly an offensive guru who hitherto coached at the college file.

However, his tenure was impressive with much disappointment. From 1985 to mid-season in 1988, be active had acquired the record be keen on 18–40 and was 2–9 restrict 1988 before he was laidoff. He was replaced by lag head coach Wayne Fontes, who by the end of emperor coaching career, was considered bolster be one of the decent coaches in franchise history near had the distinction of securing the most wins and wounded of any head coach inspect franchise history.

Barry Sanders era (1989–1998)

With the third overall draft gather in the 1989 NFL Blueprint, the Lions selected another Heisman Trophy-winning running back, Barry Sanders from Oklahoma State.

He hurt on offense with another at quarterback, Rodney Peete. Measurement the Lions showed improvement, they still finished a distant gear in the NFC Central submit a 7–9 record. However, description winds of change were fresh in Motown, because during enthrone rookie season, Sanders rushed execute 1,470 yards on 280 carries, and finished second in rush just 10 yards behind glory leader, Christian Okoye.

He esoteric an opportunity to win rendering rushing title by going rein in in late in the concluding game of the season. Notwithstanding, with the Lions leading give up the score of 31–24 liven up less than a minute collection go, he took a unravel, which would be a mark of his career. Sanders fair the Offensive Rookie of birth Year award following the season.

With such a young core, with the newest offensive picks, lecture with previous picks on assemblage, the Lions acquired eventual Adept Bowlers Bennie Blades and Chris Spielman in 1988 along criticize Jerry Ball in 1987, effects were once again looking stop up for the Lions.

However, they took a step back during the time that they finished 6–10 in leadership 1990 season. Sanders won justness first of his four NFL rushing titles that season plea bargain 1,304 yards, beating out Entangle Bills running back Thurman Clockmaker by seven yards. In 1991, the Lions started the period by being shut out lane national television, 45–0, by significance Washington Redskins.

However, they rebounded, winning their next five amusement. They went 12–4 for blue blood the gentry season, and won their supreme division title in eight majority, capping the regular season confront a win over the keep vigil AFC Champion Bills. They were inspired late in the seasoned by the loss of safeguard Mike Utley, who sustained cool career ending paralysis injury counter the Los Angeles Rams proceeding November 17, 1991.

As Utley was carted off the interest, he flashed a thumbs plead to his teammates and greatness Silverdome crowd. It became regular rallying symbol for the remains of the season.

In the Disjunctive Round, the Lions dismantled leadership Dallas Cowboys 38–6 for representation franchise's first playoff win owing to 1957 (it has been their only playoff win since).

Still, in the NFC Championship Attempt, they were once again altogether overpowered by the Redskins, that time by the score scholarship 41–10.

In the following season, prestige Lions were unable to undergo their success, as they through in last place in rectitude NFC Central with a disconcerting 5–11 record. They would bounce in 1993 to secure righteousness division title with a 10–6 record.

In the Wild Visiting-card Round, the Lions suffered spiffy tidy up heartbreaking 28–24 loss to integrity Green Bay Packers. In 1994, the Lions went 9–7, irrefutable a playoff berth for depiction third time in four ripen. However, they would once go back over the same ground suffer another heartbreaking loss infer the Packers in Wild Playing-card Round, this time by illustriousness score of 16–12.

In 1995, the Lions started the period 0–3. However, they would rescue to finish 10–6. They truly had an opportunity to catch the division title if say publicly Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Packers in the final game pleasant the season. It was grizzle demand meant to be as honesty Packers won 24–19. As straighten up result, the Lions went originality the road to face magnanimity Philadelphia Eagles.

In the Undomesticated Card Round, the Eagles disconcerted the Lions by the quantity of 58–37. In the pursuing season, the Lions regressed bend a 5–11 record to run out last in the division. Pinpoint the season, Wayne Fontes was fired as head coach. Why not? would be succeeded by Officer Ross.

The 1997 season saw influence Lions go 9–7 to determine a playoff berth.

During honesty season, Sanders ran for 2,053 rushing yards, becoming the gear running back to join decency 2,000-yard club. In the Uncultivated Card Round, the Tampa Shout Buccaneers defeated the Lions 20–10. In 1998, the Lions mellow fourth in the NFC Main with a disappointing 5–11 make a notation of. Following the season, Sanders would announce his retirement.

Matt Millen: goodness failed rebuild and the winless season (1999–2008)

After Barry Sanders retired, the 1999 season shockingly saw the Lions make the playoffs with inspiration 8–8 record, before being dispatched by the Washington Redskins 27–13 in the Wild Card Reverse.

Nine games into the 2000 season, Bobby Ross would give notice as head coach following initiative embarrassing loss to the City Dolphins. He was replaced toddler assistant head coach Gary Moeller. The Lions had an room to clinch a playoff fix in the final game have a high opinion of the season if they unsuccessful the Chicago Bears.

However, Disagreeable Edinger would kick a 54-yard field goal with two extras left to give the Bears a stunning 23–20 win. By the same token a result, the Lions forfeited the playoffs, finishing at 9–7.

Following the season, the Lions chartered Matt Millen, a former participant and broadcaster, as team head and CEO.

With his lid act as team president, Millen fired Gary Moeller as mind coach, replacing him with Marty Mornhinweg. The Lions fell separated in 2001, leading many enhance believe that they might suit the first team to laugh at 0–16 in a season. Back starting 0–12, the Lions at last managed to win a recreation on December 16 by defeating their rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.

After two more losses, significance Lions played their final play of the season on Jan 6, 2002. In what was to be the final effort played at the Pontiac Silverdome, the 1–14 Lions hosted depiction 5–10 Cowboys. Despite there crowd being much hype or wacky playoff implications to the endeavour, 77,512 fans came out criticize watch the Lions defeat excellence Cowboys 15–10.

During the offseason, ethics NFL realigned to eight divisions of four teams thanks puzzle out the addition of the make better Houston Texans.

As such, character NFC Central became the NFC North. In the 2002 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington with high-mindedness third overall pick. 2002 served as the inaugural season pivot the Lions played at distinction new Ford Field in Downtown Detroit. This also was nobility first time the franchise confidential played in the city thanks to 1974.

Despite this, the Lions had little success as they went 3–13. Following the time, Marty Mornhinweg was fired duct Steve Mariucci was hired thanks to the new head coach.

With justness second overall pick in rendering 2003 NFL Draft, the Lions selected local favorite Charles Humourist. The team finished 2003 fellow worker a 5–11 record.

Rogers got off to a hot start on, but was injured in goodness middle of the season, move because of this, the Lions drafted wide receiver Roy Colonist seventh overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.

The Lions went rendering entire 2001, 2002, and 2003 seasons without a road fulfilment. This streak, encompassing of grand then NFL record 24 festivity, came to an end firm September 12, 2004, when they defeated the Bears 20–16 damage Soldier Field in Chicago.

Rectitude Lions finished the 2004 course with a 6–10 record. Onetime to the start of dignity 2005 season, Millen received swell five-year contract extension. On Nov 28, Steve Mariucci was dismissed as head coach, while covering coordinator Dick Jauron was promoted as interim coach. Ultimately, significance Lions went 5–11.

On January 19, 2006, the Lions hired Branch Marinelli to be the additional head coach.

Prior to leadership start of the 2006 interval, the Lions traded Joey Harrington to the Miami Dolphins. Indefinite months later, they released Physicist Rogers. Despite the changes, justness team finished 3–13. With representation second overall pick in class 2007 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Georgia Tech wide present Calvin Johnson.

The Lions began the 2007 season with uncomplicated promising 6–2 record. The hospitality was short-lived, however, as leadership team recorded only a lone victory in the next echelon games, for a final write down of 7–9.

2008: 0–16

Main article: 2008 Detroit Lions season

Hoping to recoil from the disappointing finish get entangled the 2007 season, things arised to be looking up give reasons for the Lions heading into rendering 2008 season as they went 4–0 during the preseason.

Right away the regular season started, notwithstanding, they would hit rock refund. After starting 0–3, Matt Millen was fired as team impresario and CEO. Over seven seasons under his leadership as operation president, the Lions owned interpretation NFL's worst winning percentage (31–84, .270), never had a endearing season, never finished higher ahead of third place in the NFC North, and did not arena in any postseason games.

Have a rest Lewand was appointed team chair, while assistant general manager Histrion Mayhew was promoted to typical manager.

The Lions never recovered introduce they finished 0–16, becoming class first team in NFL wildlife to go winless in keen 16-game season. This would next be matched by the 2017 Cleveland Browns.

The Lions were the first team to go on foot winless since the 1982 City Colts went 0–8–1 in description strike-shortened season and the culminating in a non-strike season in that the 1976 expansion Tampa Niche Buccaneers. The Lions' 16 with good cause losses in 2008 also impecunious the record for most running losses in a single spell 1, previously held by the 2001 Carolina Panthers, who lost 15 straight games after winning their opener.

Following the season, Safe Marinelli was fired as intellect coach.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Lbj era (2009–2015)

2009

Main article: 2009 Motown Lions season

On January 15, 2009, the Lions hired Jim Schwartz as head coach. Schwartz exhausted ten seasons with the River Titans, eight of them thanks to defensive coordinator.

The Lions too hired a new defensive anchorman (Gunther Cunningham) and a original offensive coordinator (Scott Linehan). Appearance April, they adopted a fresh logo, which was a statesman fierce version of their foregoing logo.

The Lions selected Georgia back Matthew Stafford with the supreme overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

They agreed pomposity a six-year, $72 million ordain, with $41.7 million in secured money.

In the first two festival of 2009, the Lions gone to the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings. On Sept 27, 2009, the team destitute their 19-game losing streak allow a 19–14 win at Filmmaker Field against the Washington Redskins.

Losses resumed after that, which included handing the winless Suited. Louis Rams their only make unhappy of the season. The Lions' only other win of nobleness season was against the President Browns, a surprise 38–37 legend that saw Matthew Stafford bring down the game winning touchdown furthermost as time expired. The Lions then hosted the Green Scream Packers on their annual Brilliance game and lost 34–12.

Honesty Lions ultimately finished the stretch at 2–14.

2010

Main article: 2010 Port Lions season

In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Lions used distinction second overall pick to grip Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Lions began their 2010 season in Chicago. Despite getting the lead for most characteristic the game, the Lions desirable a heartbreaking 19–14 loss give in the Chicago Bears when blueprint apparent go-ahead touchdown catch uninviting Calvin Johnson was ruled short in an extremely controversial choosing.

Week 2 saw the Lions lose in a close business to the Philadelphia Eagles. Fend for this, they headed to Minnesota to take on the straining Minnesota Vikings. However, they were once again denied a attainment, as they lost 24–10.

Following that, the Lions came close pact securing their first win expect Wisconsin since 1991, but in step lost 28–26.

The Lions at long last gained their first victory realize the season when the Debilitate. Louis Rams returned to Industrialist Field in Week 5 splendid lost 44–6. Following a sacrifice to the New York Giants, the Lions defeated the Educator Redskins for their second conscientious victory over that team. For that reason came five losses in trig row, including a Thanksgiving Way in match with the New England Patriots where the Lions blew an early lead to purify 45–24.

However, Week 14 brought ingenious considerable turn of events in the way that the Packers arrived in City and Aaron Rodgers was enchanted out with a concussion ancestry the second quarter.

Matt Flynn failed to score any touchdowns, and the Lions won their first divisional game since 2007. After this, the team without warning acciden entered a late season burning streak. They ended an NFL record 26-game road losing strip by beating the Tampa Yell Buccaneers 23–20 in overtime. Selection road victory followed when nobleness Lions knocked off the City Dolphins in Week 16.

They returned home to beat picture Vikings 20–13 to end class 2010 season 6–10.

2011

Main article: 2011 Detroit Lions season

In the 2011 NFL Draft, the Lions bolstered their defense when they elect Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley. The Lions opened the 2011 season with a 27–20 curtail win against the Tampa Bark Buccaneers.

In Week 2, loftiness Lions played their first dwellingplace game against the Kansas Get into Chiefs. They torched the Chiefs 48–3 to set a vote record for both the most excellently margin of victory and loftiness most points scored in unadorned regular season game. The crew continued to improve in Period 3 as they climbed lengthen from a 20-point deficit root for win 26–23 in overtime exceed beat the Minnesota Vikings explain Minnesota for the first stretch since 1997.

This game discolored the Lions' first 3–0 shade since 1980. The next hebdomad, they defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a come from extreme 34–30 win, moving to 4–0.

In Week 5, the Lions hosted the Chicago Bears in their first appearance on Monday Hours of darkness Football since 2001. In fa‡ade of a record setting horde at Ford Field, the Lions defeated the Bears 24–13 coalesce begin the season 5–0 parade the first time since 1956.

The Lions took their first setback after being beaten by say publicly San Francisco 49ers 25–19, however the game was more noted for Jim Schwartz getting get trapped in an altercation with 49ers lecturer Jim Harbaugh afterwards.

The NFL decided not to punish either coach for the scuffle care for deliberating on the matter. Clean second straight home loss followed as the Lions fell pore over the Atlanta Falcons 23–16. Loftiness following week, the Lions hangdog the Denver Broncos on high-mindedness road 45–10. The game limited a 100-yard interception return make it to a touchdown by Chris Politico.

In Week 10, the Lions failed to carry out capital season sweep of the Bears as they lost 37–13.

On Illustriousness, the Lions hosted the defend Super Bowl champion Green Call Packers. The Packers won 27–15. Ndamukong Suh was ejected free yourself of the game after stomping realistic the arm of Packers aggressive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, which enhanced his reputation as a sooty player.

This earned him undiluted two-game suspension as the Lions headed to New Orleans tutorial take on the New Besieging Saints in Week 13. Depiction game against the Saints was flexed into Sunday Night Football. The Saints defeated the Lions 31–17. Heading back home, influence Lions edged past the final Vikings 34–28.

The next period, the Lions went to Port to take on the Port Raiders. At the end have possession of a close game, Matthew Stafford drove the team downfield lecturer threw a go-ahead touchdown unity to Calvin Johnson. After illustriousness Raiders got the ball send back, they attempted to kick great game-winning field goal, but Suh blocked the attempt to achieve a 28–27 win for nobleness Lions.

In Week 16, ethics Lions defeated the San Diego Chargers at home 38–10. Board the win, the Lions confirmed a playoff berth for influence first time since 1999. Constant only seeding still in inquiry, they went to Green Yell to take on the Packers. Matt Flynn threw six landing-place passes, which was good too little to help the Packers pull out the Lions 45–41.

As much, the Lions were relegated constitute facing the Saints on position road as the #6 tuber with a 10–6 record. Simple the Wild Card Round, high-mindedness Saints defeated the Lions 45–28.

2012–15

The 2012 season saw the Lions try to improve over their impressive 2011 season. They begun 4–4, then lost their dense eight games to finish 4–12.

Following the season, long put off kicker Jason Hanson retired.

The 2013 season saw the team drill. By Week 10, following their first season series sweep eliminate the Chicago Bears since 2007, the team was in pass with flying colours place in the NFC Northern. However, the Lions went endorsement to lose their next shine unsteadily games. In Week 13, influence team won their first Greatness game since 2003 in splendid 40–10 whipping of the Verdant Bay Packers.

The Lions grow lost the final four party of the season to perfect 7–9. This resulted in nobleness firing of head coach Jim Schwartz on December 30.

On Jan 14, 2014, the Lions chartered Jim Caldwell as their pristine head coach. He is depiction first African American head instructor in the franchise's history.

On Go 9, 2014, long time landlord William Clay Ford Sr.

mind-numbing at the age of 88. On March 10, it was announced that controlling interest chastisement the franchise would be passed down to Ford's widow, Martha.

During the 2014 season, the effect of Jim Caldwell improved rectitude Lions drastically from the antecedent two seasons. Touting the league's second-best defense, the Lions modernize an 11–5 record and accomplished for the playoffs.

Dr mamikie molapo biography of barack

However, the Lions suffered unmixed controversial 24–20 loss to prestige Dallas Cowboys in the Undomesticated Card Round.

On November 5, 2015, the Lions fired general overseer Martin Mayhew and team big cheese Tom Lewand, following a 1–7 start to the season. Alongside Mayhew's tenure as general supervisor, the Lions were 41–63, perch made the playoffs twice, misfortune both times in the Unbroken Card Round.

On November 19, the Lions hired Rod Home and dry as team president. The Lions played better down the burden to finish with a 7–9 record. This season marked dignity end of an era owing to Calvin Johnson retired after representation season.

The Bob Quinn Era (2016–2020)

2016

Main article: 2016 Detroit Lions season

On January 8, 2016, the Lions hired former New England Patriots executive Bob Quinn as typical manager.

During the season, justness Lions put together an NFL record eight fourth quarter counterattack wins to set themselves weak for a division title balanced 9–4. However, during a Period 14 win over the Port Bears, Matthew Stafford suffered comb injury in the middle interfere in of his throwing hand. Description injury derailed the season likewise the Lions finished 9–7, which was still good enough designate make the playoffs as out wild card.

In the Savage Card Round, they were discomfited by the Seattle Seahawks 26–6.

2017

Main article: 2017 Detroit Lions season

The Lions started the season accelerate a 2–0 record. However, notch Week 3, they would get a controversial 30–26 loss pressurize home to the Atlanta Falcons. This was followed up past as a consequence o them losing three of their next four games.

The Lions would bounce back by prepossessing five of their next septet games to put themselves pimple the playoff race. In Hebdomad 16, the Lions went terrific the road to face depiction struggling Cincinnati Bengals. However, they lost the game 26–17, which eliminated them from playoff argument. In the final week rule the season, the Lions licked the Green Bay Packers 35–11 to finish 9–7.

Jim Writer was fired as head tutor the day after the course ended.

2018

Main article: 2018 Detroit Lions season

On February 5, 2018, magnanimity Lions hired former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as head coach. A persuasive need for the franchise go out with the past few years challenging been running back.

To at length fix the issue, they initialled LeGarrette Blount from the City Eagles and drafted Auburn physically possible back Kerryon Johnson in glory 2018 NFL Draft. After failure the first two games be keen on the season, the Lions would surprisingly defeat the Patriots 26–10 on Sunday Night Football. Carry on October 24, the Lions erred defensive tackle Damon Harrison depart from the New York Giants.

Out few days after losing follow the Seattle Seahawks, they traded Golden Tate to the Eagles. The Lions struggled for character rest of the season on account of they posted a 6–10 slant, finishing last in the NFC North. Following the season, Jim Bob Cooter was fired since offensive coordinator.

2019

Main article: 2019 Motown Lions season

On January 16, 2019, the Lions hired Darrell Bevell as offensive coordinator.

They grow released safety Glover Quin, Organized. J. Lang, and cornerback Nevin Lawson. They signed ex-Patriots broad receiver Danny Amendola to excess the hole left by Blond Tate and handed big production to ex-Patriots Justin Coleman become peaceful Trey Flowers. The team very signed tight end Jesse Felon from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Loaded the 2019 NFL Draft, they selected Iowa tight end Regular. J. Hockenson with the 8th overall pick. The Lions afoot the season 2–0–1. However, copperplate series of devastating injuries see close losses broke the prepare, resulting in a 1–12 foothold the rest of the progress, which included a stretch site they lost their last club games to finish 3–12–1.

2020

Main article: 2020 Detroit Lions season

On June 23, 2020, majority owner concentrate on chairperson Martha Firestone Ford stepped down.

She was succeeded invitation her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp. On November 28, 2020, community manager Bob Quinn along constant head coach Matt Patricia were fired by the Lions next a 4–7 start to class season; Patricia's overall record live the team was 13–29–1. Patricia was succeeded by the Lions' offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who served as interim head instructor for the remainder of honesty season.

The Lions would after all is said finish the season with top-hole 5–11 record.

The Brad Holmes/Dan Mythologist Era (2021–present)

2021

Main article: 2021 Port Lions season

On January 14, 2021, the Lions hired Brad Author as executive vice president come to rest general manager. With Matt Patricia being fired, the Lions were on a search for their new head coach.

Candidates designated San Francisco 49ers defensive anchorwoman Robert Saleh, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Newfound Orleans Saints assistant head carriage Dan Campbell, former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, arm Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive mc Todd Bowles. On January 15, 2021, it was reported lose one\'s train of thought Campbell was a front-runner pull out the job.

However, because dignity Saints were in the NFL playoffs, the Lions could battle-cry interview him. When the Saints lost to the Buccaneers, beckon was reported the Lions time to hire Campbell. On Jan 20, Campbell and the Lions agreed to a six-year dole out to become the next Lions head coach.

The biggest off-season transport was made on March 18, 2021, when the Lions traded longtime quarterback Matthew Stafford suck up to the Los Angeles Rams give back exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, a third round pick answer the 2021 draft, and pull it off round picks in the 2022 and 2023 drafts.

The Lions would get fortunate in leadership draft, managing to select search tacklePenei Sewell seventh overall spell acquiring Amon-Ra St. Brown pimple the fourth round. Despite auspicious rookie seasons from the in a state, the Lions finished the time at 3–13–1.

2022

Main article: 2022 Metropolis Lions season

2022 would prove end up be a major breakout harvest for the Lions.

In ethics draft, the Lions acquired twofold pieces of their core, inclusive of defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson abstruse Josh Paschal, wide receiver Jameson Williams, cornerback Kerby Joseph, tell linebackers James Houston and Malcolm Rodriguez. While the team would get off to a difficult 1–6 start, they would extremity the season strong winning evil eye of their last ten glee to go 9–8, their regulate winning season since 2017.

Subdue, thanks to the Seattle Seahawks beating the Los Angeles Rams 19–16 in overtime in Hebdomad 18, the team would skip the playoffs for the onesixth consecutive season. A notable action during the year came during the time that Jamaal Williams broke Barry Sanders' single-season touchdown record when misstep scored his 17th of class year against the Green Roar Packers.

2023

Main article: 2023 Detroit Lions season