Super Bowl or bankruptcy? Detroit Lions fans share their predictions for 2024
Super Bowl 59 or bust? Detroit Lions fans will give their predictions for the 2024 NFL season on Sunday, September 8, before the season opener.
The calendar has turned to September, the temperature has dropped below 15 degrees and the Honolulu blue has flooded the streets.
It’s Lions season again in Detroit.
The Lions will face the Los Angeles Rams, led by former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, in their regular season opener on Sunday, a home game at Ford Field. The game is a rematch of an NFC wild-card playoff game from January in which Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the franchise to its first playoff victory in 32 years, capping a historic season under head coach Dan Campbell.
At tailgate parties across Detroit, it was clear that fans are expecting another big year, but this time it will end with a long, elusive trip to the Super Bowl.
Before kickoff at 8:20 p.m., Lions fans hit the streets early on Sunday to start tailgating.
Noah Serapiglia, 18, of Toronto, was finishing breakfast at a tailgate party on Mechanic Street around noon when he said he comes to every home game “for the love of the Lions.”
He and his father Steve have been coming across the border to see the Lions play for years. Steve has been doing it since 1995, he says.
“Every game,” said Steve Serapiglia. “Rain or shine, even snow.”
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Fans crowded Eastern Market, smoke billowing into the air as the aroma of hot barbecue and blaring music filled the atmosphere. Revelers wore blue and white Lions gear, waved Lions flags and drove in Lions-themed RVs and vans.
A more than decade-old tradition returned to the market with the Detroit Tailgate Divas, a custom tailgate event hosted by Southfield sisters Jacquelyn and Shaniya Jarrett. The Lions’ renewed popularity makes this tailgate season even better, Jacquelyn Jarrett said.
“The Detroit Lions let everyone see them shine, and I love the shine of the Detroit Lions now. It brings people who would never have thought about coming to a game, but now they’re coming to a tailgate party because we’re winning,” said Jacquelyn Jarrett.
Jackie Bevins, 35, of Fenton, came to her first home opener in years ready for a great season.
“I obviously intend to win, so go on, Goff,” Bevins said.
For the Lions, team loyalty is key, a lesson Bevins says she learned from her father during her childhood.
“It’s just a team you can support no matter what happens,” Bevins said.
Shoron Graham, 55, of Farmington Hills, sells custom-made Lions-themed T-shirts and displays a custom-made Lions banner made by his advertising and marketing company, It Shos, at Eastern Market.
“It brings energy, it brings energy to the fans,” Graham said of his designs.
Graham has been designing Lions-themed products for 12 years and is confident the team will have a strong season, he said.
“I think we get the vibe and the passion they have for the game, it’s infectious and it will spread,” Graham said. “I expect strength, looking forward and not giving up.”
Jeff Bianchi, 63, of Shelby Township, arrived in Detroit at 10 a.m., about 10 hours before kickoff.
“The parking lot wasn’t even open yet,” he said. “That’s on time.”
Hours before the game started, the mood among Bianchi and other Lions fans on Sunday was one of hope and great expectations – and that mood had been developing over the years.
“This is the best team, the best hope we’ve ever had at the start of a season,” said Bianchi, who has followed the Lions for nearly 60 years. “I think the curse has been lifted.”
Jacquelyn Jarrett shared this view and hoped that the team could build on the momentum of last season.
“I hope we win this opening game today and all the other games,” said Jacquelyn Jarrett. “I have high hopes for the Lions.”
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Kevin Nesbitt, 30, of Garden City, walked in front of Ford Field dressed as a lion. With a mane around his head, he said: “I’m a die-hard Lions fan.”
“We’re going to get to the Super Bowl,” Nesbitt said. “We may not win it this year, but we’re going to get there.”
Contact Liam Rappleye: [email protected]
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected]
