For Ninotchka Jackson-Wright and her daughter Kyla L. Wright, being Detroit Lions fans has never been a trend or a pastime — it has been a lifelong family tradition rooted in loyalty, love for the city, and shared memories at the stadium.
That devotion was officially recognized when the Detroit-area pair was named the Detroit Lions’ 2025 Fans of the Year, becoming the first mother-daughter duo ever selected by the franchise to represent the team in the NFL’s national Fan of the Year competition.
Their honor places them among elite fans across the league who “exemplify unwavering loyalty, creativity, and community involvement.” As Lions Fans of the Year, Jackson-Wright and Wright now advance to compete for the title of Ultimate NFL Fan of the Year, which will be announced during Super Bowl weekend at the NFL Honors ceremony.
When asked about the recognition, their response was simple but heartfelt.
“Very excited,” Wright said, with her mother echoing the sentiment: “Yeah, really excited.”
Surprise Reveal at Ford Field
The moment came unexpectedly. Jackson-Wright received an email inviting her and her daughter to what was described as a shopping spree at Ford Field, supposedly part of a contest for loyal Lions members.
“They told us there had been a contest and we were randomly selected,” Jackson-Wright said. “We were like, ‘What? Us?’”
They were instructed to dress as if they were attending a game — nothing unusual for two fans known for their custom Lions outfits. After selecting items from the team store, they were presented with Honolulu blue jackets.
“They told us to turn them around, and it said ‘Fan of the Year,’” Jackson-Wright said. “It took us a minute, and then we realized we won.”
“We literally just took off running,” Wright added. “We didn’t know, so it was just pure excitement.”
A Legacy That Began at the Silverdome
Wright was born into Lions fandom. Her late grandfather, Jackson-Wright’s father, was a devoted season ticket holder who believed in the team through every era — even the infamous 0-16 season.
“He was a diehard fan,” Wright said. “You couldn’t tell him the Lions weren’t the best team.”
After his passing in 2017, the family kept his legacy alive by retaining the season tickets.
“My mom said, ‘What better way to honor him than to keep the tickets in the family?’” Wright said.
At his funeral, the connection between family and football was unmistakable.
“We all wore Lions gear — Honolulu blue,” Wright said. “There was never another team.”
Recognizable Faces at Ford Field
Today, the duo is well known at Ford Field for their coordinated, custom-made Lions outfits. Their bold game-day fashion and visible support have made them recognizable figures among fans and on social media.
The NFL’s Fan of the Year program also highlights community impact, something that aligns with the pair’s values. Their selection reflects how Lions culture extends beyond football into civic pride and service.
National Spotlight and NFL Access
As national contenders, Jackson-Wright and Wright are now part of an exclusive group of fans from across the league. They stay connected through a Facebook group for past winners and a WhatsApp group for the current class.
“We joke, root for each other’s teams, and meet up when our teams play,” Wright said.
They’ve also participated in behind-the-scenes NFL calls.
“We’ve had Q&As with Commissioner Roger Goodell and learned about how the Super Bowl is planned,” Jackson-Wright said.
Super Bowl Trip Sparks Family Debate
As part of their prize, the duo will attend the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, where the Seattle Seahawks will face the New England Patriots. However, only two tickets are provided per team.
“They thought we’d each bring a guest, but since we’re both winners, it’s just us going,” Jackson-Wright joked.
When asked if the rest of the family is jealous, Wright laughed. “Yeah… but don’t say that too loud.”
Favorite Lions Player
Both mother and daughter share the same favorite current Lion: Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Jackson-Wright also sees echoes of former quarterback Matthew Stafford in the team’s current roster.
“They’re young, loyal, and excited to be part of a winning team,” she said.
Voting Now Open
Public voting for Ultimate NFL Fan of the Year is now underway and runs through February 4.
No matter the outcome, Jackson-Wright and Wright believe their story represents what it truly means to be a Detroit Lions fan — a bond passed down through generations, strengthened by faith in the team, and tied deeply to the city itself.
From the Pontiac Silverdome to Ford Field, from a grandfather’s belief to a mother and daughter carrying that torch forward, their journey is a powerful example of how sports unite families and preserve legacy.
