2004 Detroit Lions

Despite having some big names on the roster, the Detroit Lions have had trouble displaying their usual dominant persona in recent years. Their rebuilding is starting to pay off, however, and so tickets to Lions games are a coveted item. With Joey Harrington at the helm of a more experienced team, look for exciting progress in 2004.

The Detroit Lions franchise traces its origin to the Portsmouth Spartans, a team based in Ohio that entered the NFL in 1930. In 1932 the Spartans played in the league's first postseason game, losing 9-0 to the Chicago Bears. In 1934 the club was sold to radio station owner George Richards, who moved the team to Detroit and renamed it the Lions.

The Detroit Lions built a dynasty during the 1950s, capturing four Western Division crowns and three NFL titles from 1952 through 1957. After many disappointing seasons from the early 1960s through the 1980s, Detroit assembled strong teams during the 1990s, reaching the playoffs four times from 1991 to 1995 under head coach Wayne Fontes. Star running back Barry Sanders recorded nine consecutive 1000-yard seasons from 1989 to 1997.

In 1935 the Lions earned their first NFL title, shutting out 3 of 12 regular-season opponents and soundly defeating the New York Giants in the championship game. Ernie Caddel was the team's top runner and pass receiver. Detroit didn't return to the postseason until 1952, when head coach Buddy Parker steered the team to its first of two consecutive NFL titles. The Lions defeated the perennial Eastern Division powerhouse Cleveland Browns in the championship games of 1952 and 1953.

Detroit won its third league championship in 1957 under first-year head coach George Wilson. The veteran Layne was joined on offense by John Henry Johnson. The Lions once again defeated Cleveland in the championship game, routing the favored Browns by 45 points.

From 1958 to 1981 Detroit reached the postseason just once, in 1970. Many players enjoyed individual success during the period, including defensive backs Lem Barney and Dick "Night Train" Lane, tackle (and future actor) Alex Karras, quarterback Greg Landry, linebacker Mike Lucci, tight end Charlie Sanders, and wide receiver Pat Studstill. In 1975 the team moved into the Silverdome, the largest air-supported domed structure in the world.

In 1980 the Lions enjoyed their first winning season in eight years. Powering the offense was running back Billy Sims, who was named NFL rookie of the year. Head coach Monte Clark steered Detroit into the playoffs in 1982 and 1983. The team's division title in 1983 was its first in 26 years.

Head coach Wayne Fontes took the Lions to the postseason in 1991, as Detroit won a franchise-record 12 games and played in its first NFC Championship Game. Fontes won the NFL coach of the year award. Detroit's offense in the early and mid-1990s featured Barry Sanders, who won NFC rushing titles in 1989, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. Detroit made the playoffs in 1993, 1994, and 1995 but lost in the first round each year. After a poor 1996 season Fontes was replaced by former San Diego Chargers head coach Bobby Ross.