My Open Letter to Detroit Lions Doubters

It baffles me that some people think the Detroit Lions, or more specifically their fans, have gotten "cocky." I mean, how do you get cocky when the team you've supported for your entire life has never even been to the Super Bowl? What's more, others seem to be hating on the Detroit Lions for their recent success. It's almost like they don't want to see this gritty team and franchise finally flourish. That's twisted. There are some Detroit Lions doubters and haters out there, and I want to address them.

I actually saw someone post on Facebook that he couldn't believe how "cocky" Detroit Lions fans were after the team's opening season win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Really? What planet are you on, dude? It was seriously one of the most thrilling feelings to see the Lions pull that upset off. I don't think any Lions fans were conceited after it. I would say we were relieved that all the success of the second half of last season wasn't an anomaly.

If you're someone who has been a fan of the New England Patriots forever, or maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers or Seattle Seahawks or pretty much any team other than the Lions, you really don't get it. You don't get what it's like to put your heart and soul into a team and to get your heart bashed in every single time. If you think we're getting heady about all this winning, you are so wrong. We're basking in this moment, and we deserve it.

So, that was for the haters. Now, onto the Detroit Lions doubters. How many times will I have to hear "Same ol' Lions" again? We are past that. So past it. When the Lions fell to the Ravens earlier in the season and pretty much got slaughtered, the "Same ol' Lions" mantra was back. But, as it turned out, the Lions weren't bad. It was just that Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were really, really good.

So, I beg of you, no matter who wins this weekend, just accept that fact that it's not the "Same ol' Lions." It's the "Brand new Lions." No matter what, we have a solid record and are playing the kind of football that has earned this franchise respect. Even Jason and Travis Kelce on the latest episode of their "New Heights" podcast highlighted Dan Campbell for the exceptional job he's doing as head coach. So, accept that fact that you've lived long enough to see the Lions be good. Oh, and listen to my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," below. Let's go Lions. Reach out to me here.

You never know who you're going to see on the sidelines of any given NFL game. Well, if you're in Kansas City, then you know that you're going to see Taylor Swift. Speaking of Kansas City, the Chiefs vs. Dolphins game is going to be frigid on Saturday (Jan. 13). Why couldn't the Dolphins have just won and had their playoff game in Miami? Now, Swift will have to freeze herself while rooting for Travis Kelce. But, enough about swift. Who are some celebrities who could be at Ford Field for the playoffs?

The Detroit Lions host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (Jan. 14). That game is at 8:15 p.m. and will air on NBC and Peacock. Predictions are split on who will win this game. But, most predictions are very close. My prediction is Lions 24, Rams 21, and I'm sticking with it. Either way, it'll likely be a close game.

Thank goodness the game is indoors. I don't know why a team like Buffalo still has an outdoor stadium. I mean, you're Buffalo, New York. You have some of the most inclement weather in the entire United States. Just accept the fact that you can't have outdoor games. The playoff game that was supposed to take place Sunday in Buffalo, where they host the Steelers, was going to be so frigid and snowy, that the NFL had to move the game to Monday. Also, Bills are actually asking people to shovel snow for them at the stadium. They're paying $20 per hour, too. So, considering that Detroit has been hit with winter weather this weekend, it's a very good thing that this game is indoors. Jared Goff and fans will be nice and cozy inside Ford Field.

Read on for some celebrities who could be at Ford Field on Sunday. All of these guys and gals love the Detroit Lions. Also, listen to the latest episode of my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson," below. Reach out to me here.

This is an obvious one. Slim Shady is huge Detroit Lions fan. The platinum-certified artist and Mom's Spaghetti owner even appeared on an episode of "Hard Knocks" with them. If you're going to be on one celebrity to be at this game, I'd go with Eminem.

While it's less certain than Eminem being at the playoff game, it's still likely that Big Sean will show up. He's a big Lions fan, and even though he lives in Los Angeles now, how could he turn down the chance to see the Lions against a Los Angeles team? I think it's happening.

Here's another one that wouldn't surprise me. Tim Allen of "Home Improvement" fame is no stranger to attending Detroit Lions fans. He grew up in the metro area, so he loves his lions.

I put this in the maybe category. Jeff Daniels is one of Michigan's biggest comedic superstars. The "Dumb and Dumber" still lives in the area and oversees the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan. I think he should come to this game and help cheer on his team.

Keegan-Michael Key is a big Detroit Lions fan and also very proud of being from Detroit. I totally see this happening. He also recently told Jimmy Kimmel that he would totally lose his cool if the Lions won a Super Bowl.

Jalen Rose, a famed member of the University of Michigan Wolverines' "Fab Five," is a big Detroit fan. He's also a sports analyst, so checking out this game would be of great interest to him. I think he'll be there. Just a hunch.

Yes, you could see Flavor Flav at the Detroit Lions game. Why? Well, he lives between Michigan and Las Vegas. He was also recently spotted at one of Taylor Swift’s "The Eras Tour" shows at Ford Field.

Not sure if I would count on it, but Kid Rock loves Detroit teams. Yes, he lives in Nashville now. But, he could make the trip in for this big moment.

Jack White performed the National Anthem at the 2022 Opening Day game for the Detroit Tigers. Even though he lives in Nashville, he's a big Detroit fan. He could make it in for this game.

I would love to see Barry Sanders at this game. We can add a long list of former NFL players to this list, too, of possible guys who will be at the game, including Calvin Johnson and Herman Moore. Let's go.

We could spot more celebrities, too. I'm thinking that to represent MSU, Tom Izzo will be there. I'm also guessing Jim Harbaugh will be at the game, unless he's saving all of his cheering power for his brother's team, the Baltimore Ravens.