Detroit Lions fans have been waiting for this for a lifetime.
On Sunday, the Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years — in front of their home fans, no less! — by besting the Los Angeles Rams 24-23. With the historic victory, head coach Dan Campbell’s name will be revered in Detroit for all time after breaking the longest active playoff win drought in the NFL.
The Rams played the Lions close, but thanks to a key first down pick up on a throw from Jared Goff coming out of the two-minute warning, Detroit was able to kneel the ball down to end the game. And as Goff lifted his arms in celebration after the kneel down, NBC’s camera panned to an emotional Lions’ fan taking in the scene at Ford Field.
Tears in the Detroit crowd. What a moment. pic.twitter.com/mmzgdwHu2b
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
That, my friends, is what sports is all about. Detroit fans have taken it on the chin time and time again over the last few decades, from win-less seasons to heartbreaking losses and more. And now, the Lions and their fans can celebrate a well-earned postseason victory in the 21st century for the first time.
NFL fans rallied around this emotional Lions’ fan and their wholesome reaction to Detroit’s playoff win.
Football goosebumps….If you don't have em watching this, check your pulse. https://t.co/6nqvFuiZrM
— Sam Rapoport (@samrap10) January 15, 2024
Man, good for the Lions. The only fan base that would deserve this more is the Pirates. One day… https://t.co/NAFtks2KJZ
— Joshua Axelrod (@jaxelburgh) January 15, 2024
The Lions mean so much to that city and they always have. https://t.co/XqeV2DuRcu
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) January 15, 2024
I remember this feeling very well. Savor every moment, Lions fans. https://t.co/kvWSsUJpyd
— Adam Bonifas (@ABonifas10) January 15, 2024
For the first time in 32-years.
This is your time, Detroit. #Lions https://t.co/luYl1fXKJ0
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) January 15, 2024
Love this so much for all my friends in Michigan and #Lions fans all over the world! #AllGrit https://t.co/rXl8NzlHRh
— Nick Mantas (@Nick__Mantas) January 15, 2024
Everyone: “why do you like sports so much?!”
Me pondering the audacity of that question when moments like this exists: https://t.co/BP0nGCFujZ
— Stefanie Angeline (@Steffxxnie_) January 15, 2024
There’s nothing better than when teams find success in the playoffs after a long drought. Best atmospheres you’ll ever see. https://t.co/78FPyAZsbk
— Steve Uhlmann (@SteveUhlmann) January 15, 2024
it’s impossible not to be happy for this Lions team & their fans https://t.co/vGP2VMDUXD
— Meg (@MegCovey_94) January 15, 2024