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Est. 1930

Detroit
Lions

Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders runs with the football.

Barry Sanders - RB - 15,269 Rushing Yards

AP via Doug Mills

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Did you know?

The Detroit Lions started the Thanksgiving Day football game tradition in 1934 and have played on the holiday every season since, except for a brief gap from 1939-44.

Team History

  • The Detroit franchise started as the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans in 1930. Detroit radio executive George A. Richards purchased the Spartans in 1934 and moved them to Detroit where they were renamed the Lions.  
  • During the franchise’s second year in Detroit, the Lions won the 1935 NFL Championship when they defeated the New York Giants, 26-7.  
  • During the 1950s, the Lions won three league championships, all against the Cleveland Browns, in 1952, 1953, and 1957. 

Team Facts

  • Seasons: 94 (1930-2023) 
  • Winningest Coach: (W-L-T) Wayne Fontes (66-67-0)
  • Super Bowl Titles: 0 
  • Record going into 2023 season: (W-L-T) 579-702-34
  • Playoff Record:7-13
  • Most Career Yards Rushing: Barry Sanders, 15,269 (1989-98)
  • Most Career Yards Passing: Matthew Stafford, 45,109 (2009-20)
  • Most Career Receptions: Calvin Johnson, 731 (2007-15)
  • Most Career Sacks: Alex Karras, 100 (1958-70)*
  • Most Career Interceptions: Dick LeBeau, 62 (1959-72)
  • Most Career Points: Jason Hanson, 2,150 (1992-2012)
  • Current Team Owner: Sheila Ford Hamp  

 *Sacks prior to 1982 are not official 

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