Father’s Day falls on Sunday, and for many Detroit Lions supporters, the holiday is closely connected to their love of football.
While some fans may have only recently joined the Lions bandwagon due to the team’s recent success, countless others have roots that go back generations. In many families, cheering for the Lions has become a tradition that strengthens bonds between fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, or mothers and daughters.
Since it’s Father’s Day, I thought it would be a great time to talk about the connection you have with your dad, especially as it relates to football or being a Detroit Lions fan.
Here’s my story: My dad is the reason I fell in love with the Lions. As a kid, I watched how intense (and often frustrated) he got during games, and I wanted to be part of that world. You can hardly find a childhood photo of me without Lions gear or those old Silverdome pom-poms. For nearly twenty years, Sundays meant sitting next to him, watching every play.
There’s a much deeper story behind it, and I wrote about it nearly ten years ago. It’s still tough to revisit, but these days, I try to treat Father’s Day more as a celebration than a day of loss. I owe so much—my career included—to my dad, and today I’ll reflect on all those Sundays we spent together in Ford Field and the Silverdome with a full heart.
So, what’s your football story with your dad? Any meaningful memories you’d like to share? Scroll down to the comments and let us hear them.