A Letter To Detroit Lions Fans
It’s Jim O’Brien – quiet Sunday morning sitting at my kitchen table writing this note to Detroit Lions fans after the game last night. It sucked. It hurt. I’m angry….
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 18: Detroit Lions fans react during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Washington defeated Detroit 45-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
It’s Jim O'Brien - quiet Sunday morning sitting at my kitchen table writing this note to Detroit Lions fans after the game last night. It sucked. It hurt. I’m angry. We’re angry. This morning I woke up early with this rush of memories, and it really bothered me. For the longest time I sat there thinking why…then it hit me, I’ve been here before. The EXACT feeling as a kid. Let me explain.
The San Diego Detroit Lions Connection
I’ve been here in Detroit for 23 years, all of them with WCSX. Our son Adam was born here. I've built cars for charity with JJ & Lynne, driven to Winslow Arizona to celebrate Glenn Frey and lived out my musical moment by meeting Bob Seger. I love this town. I love the sports. Coneys. Vernors. Faygo. Doing donuts on the Lodge. Up north. Michigan lefts. All of it. But the Detroit Lions. Oh those damn Detroit Lions. I get it. Here’s why.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Detroit Lions fans react during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Washington defeated Detroit 45-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
I grew up in Southern California as a San Diego Chargers fan.
Wait. How does this relate to Detroit Lions fans? My teams were the era of Dan Fouts and “Air Coryell” (late 70’s and early 80’s) - a high flying offense with a stud possession receiver (John Jefferson…our St. Brown). Big running backs and change of pace (Chuck Muncie power and Lionel James as the scat back). Great tight end (Kellen Winslow) and the defense with a couple of really good players (Fred Dean, Woody Lowe, Louie Kelcher).
Dan Fouts #14, Quarterback for the San Diego Chargers prepares to throw the ball during the American Football Conference Division Playoff game against the Miami Dolphins on 16th January 1983 at the Orange Bowl Stadium, Miami, Florida, United States. The Dolphins won the game 34 - 13. (Photo by Tony Duffy/Allsport/Getty Images)
Watching the Detroit Lions this season was a rush of memories. The way Goff guided them up and down the field. Setting records and looking unstoppable. Just like my Chargers back then.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Then the playoffs. Every year we found a way to lose - tough, heartbreaking losses to teams like Buffalo or Houston, or even the Bengals in ‘81. And there was this feeling during the game…this sense that you couldn’t stop it from happening. I was anxious watching the game. Uncomfortable. Quiet.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Detroit Lions fans react during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Washington defeated Detroit 45-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
THAT’S what it felt like last night watching the Lions. Just a dorky teenager all over again sitting in my room after a playoff loss, angry at the world - swearing that I’d never root for them again. I’ll admit it, I had a couple of tears after the game…such a rush of memories.
I want this so bad for Detroit. But most importantly I want this for the fans. You deserve a Super Bowl. You’re amazing.
I’m sure at some point I’ll head downstairs to the basement and look at my Dan Fouts jersey and smile. I’ve had a lifetime of coming up short in football. Too late to change course now - Lions ride or die.
Next year? All the way.
