A number of Detroit Lions fans checked out of the playoffs after their team’s Divisional Round defeat to the Washington Commanders. However, staying away from the Super Bowl might be tougher, especially with a rematch between two teams that played in this game just two years ago.

For those still looking for a reason to tune in, the Lions have several ties to both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s take a closer look.

Former Lions Now with the Eagles

CB Darius Slay

Drafted by Detroit in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Darius Slay spent seven seasons with the Lions, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2017 after leading the league with eight interceptions. His defensive dominance often led fantasy football analysts to dub opposing wide receivers as being on a “Slay Ride.”

Slay’s departure in 2020 was emblematic of the struggles under then-head coach Matt Patricia. Since joining the Eagles, he has earned three additional Pro Bowl selections.

While in New Orleans this week, Slay hinted that next season might be his last. Despite moving on, he remains fond of Detroit.

“I got nothing but love for Detroit,” Slay told the Detroit Free Press. “The Lions, man, for sure. That’s the team that took a chance on me, a kid from Brunswick, Ga. So it’s always nothing but love. I root for them every time. I want them to win every game besides the game I’m playing against them in. But yeah man, that’s home. That’s my second home for sure.”

S C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Gardner-Johnson’s time with the Lions in 2023 didn’t go as planned. A torn pectoral injury in Week 2 sidelined him until the regular-season finale, limiting him to just six games, including the playoffs.

While many Lions fans may cheer for Slay, Gardner-Johnson stirred controversy this week with an unexpected criticism of the organization. Rather than appreciating the opportunity to play in his second Super Bowl in three years, he seemingly couldn’t resist taking a jab at his former team.

DE Charles Harris

Once considered a first-round disappointment, Harris revitalized his career with the Lions after signing as a free agent in 2021, leading the team with 7.5 sacks that season. However, injuries and inconsistent play in 2022 and 2023 diminished his role. By the latter half of 2023, he was frequently a healthy scratch, even as the Lions struggled to generate pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

After a stint with the Carolina Panthers earlier this season, Harris was picked up by the Eagles but remains on their practice squad, making it unlikely he’ll see action in the Super Bowl.

Coaching Connections

Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore

Best known for his standout college career at Boise State, Moore began his NFL journey with the Lions, spending three seasons (2012-2014) on their roster but never appearing in a regular-season game. After transitioning to coaching, he climbed the ranks and is now set to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints following the Super Bowl.

Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Jeremiah Washburn

The son of former Lions assistant coach Jim Washburn, Jeremiah Washburn started his NFL career in Detroit as an assistant offensive line coach (2009-2012) before taking over the offensive line unit from 2013 to 2015. After coaching stops with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, he joined the Eagles in 2019. Over the past three seasons, he has served as their defensive ends/outside linebackers coach.

While the Lions may not be playing in Super Bowl LIX, their influence is evident across both rosters and coaching staffs, giving Detroit fans multiple reasons to stay invested in the big game.