Detroit Lions, The past, present, and
future
by Kenny Watkins
The Detroit Lions roots are traced all the way
back to 1930. The Detroit Lions originally came from Ohio. They were
first called the Portsmouth Spartan s. Guess back than that was a good
name. I am glad they changed it.
In 1934 the
Portsmouth Spartans were sold to George Richards for almost 8,000
dollars. He moved the team to Detroit and later named it the Lions. In
the early years the Lions were a dominate team. Especially
defensively. In 1934 the lions win their first ten and have 7
shutouts. In 1935 the Detroit Lions win their first NFL Championship.
In 1940 Byron Whizzer White rushed for 514 yards and became the NFL's
first rushing champion From 1941 to 1944 the Lions struggle to win
games. The only bright spot was Frank Sinkwich being named MVP in the
league.
After a decade of losing the Lions fortune changed with Quarterback
Bobby Layne leading them back to a winning season again. In 1952 the
Lions stun the Cleveland Browns
to win their 2nd NFL championship. And the following year win their
third championship.
The would win their last championship in 1957. Since that the
Lions have had their ups and downs. In 1961 William Clay Ford is named
president of the Lions. In 1963 a scandal rocks
the Lions when its found out Alex Karras bets on football games.
More tragedy hits the Lions when Chuck Hughes has a heart attack and
dies on the field in 1971,and then 1974 at training camp head coach
Don McCafferty dies. In 1980 the Lions get to select Heisman Trophy
winner Billy Sims and he would help the Lions in more ways than one.
Billy Sims leads the team in rushing his first year but not a lot of
wins would come from it. A mere 5 years later Billy Simms career is
over after a knee injury. The more losing came until
They drafted Heisman trophy winner Barry Sanders. Barry changed pro
football, he has all the skills. Speed power and a good receiver.
Barry was considered one of the best ever to play.
Barry would help the lions make the playoffs the next few years. They
would fall short of the Super Bowl. Barry also help ignite an
industry. Football jerseys with his name seemed to be everywhere. The
blue and silver shirts with his name on the back were hot sellers.
Barry would eventually in 1999 retire and break a lot of hearts. The
Lions then looked to the future and have brought in Steve Mariucci to
coach the Lions. He has brought a new spirit to the team and has
drafted some players like Joey Harrington and Roy Williams that will make Detroit a
team who has a bright future.
For more information about other services and products choose
from one of the following pages:
About The Author
Kenneth Watkins is an avid college football fan as well as a
successful sports author and regular contributor to
http://www.sports-gift.com. A free service for people to find the best
sports fan gift idea for the sports fan in their life. |
