Detroit Lions History

For decades, the diehard fans of the Motor City have been patient, religiously buying Detroit Lions tickets in hopes that every year is the year. The Lions fan can see that the roster is loaded with young talent. It’s bubbling over like champagne. So when are the Lions going to take advantage of it? That’s what the diehard Detroit fans with Lions tickets want to know. Is this the year? Next? Has quarterback Joey Harrington’s time ran out? Is Jeff Garcia the answer?  Will a receiving corps filled with first-round picks ever develop into a potent weapon?  If rising tailback Kevin Jones has anything to do say about it, those diehard Detroit fans will be lining up for Lions playoff tickets sooner than later.

Frustration has been a big part of the Lions’ storied history. From Dick “Night Train” Lane to the venerable Bobby Lane, Detroit has housed many stars, but one diminutive Lion star shined the brightest. Standing only 5-foot-8, Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders was living proof that size doesn’t matter. He was the human highlight reel with a full arsenal of moves. On one run, he’d spin around a helpless defender and burst down the sideline. Then on the next, he would appear to be bottled up in the middle only to shoot out of nowhere for a touchdown.

A Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State, Sanders didn’t even start until his junior season. He played behind future Buffalo Bills star Thurman Thomas and saw most of his playing time on kick returns. Even in limited playing time, Sanders’ astonishing ability to make people miss was hard to believe. Oklahoma head coach Barry Switzer told his team to pray that Thomas didn’t get hurt, because they didn’t want to see Sanders in the Cowboy backfield.

The Lions selected Sanders with the third overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. He instantly made Detroit Lions tickets one of the hottest tickets in the NFL. He rewrote the Lions record book and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his 10 seasons. Sanders closed in on the NFL’s all-time rushing mark and was expected to eclipse Walter Payton’s mark in the 1999 season. But, much to the dismay of Lions ticket holders, Sanders abruptly retired after the 1998 season. Some said the losing wore him down. Others say his passion had burnt out. Either way, it just added to the frustration Detroit fans have felt for decades.

Now, head coach Steve Mariucci is trying to end that frustration. He’s relying on the plethora of young talent that Lions have amassed through years of high draft picks. When and where that talent will gel and begin to live up to its potential is anyone’s guess. But diehard Detroit fans aren’t going to want to miss it. So load up on Detroit Lions tickets and be at Ford Field when the frustration turns into celebration.

Detroit Lions Tickets | Football Tickets