The very beginning of the Detroit Lions goes back to 1929, when they were organized in Ohio under a different team name: the Portsmouth Spartans.

After the disappointing 1933 season, the team was purchased by Detroit radio exec George Richards for $7,952.08. Once moved to Detroit, the team's re-naming was influenced by the Detroit Tigers. Richards wanted another fierce jungle animal and he figured the lion was "King of the Jungle", and wanted his team to be "King of the NFL".

The Detroit Lions' first season was in 1934, winning their first ten games. Some sports fans feel 1934 was the beginning of the team...but history says it's genesis goes farther back to 1929.

Pay the team a visit sometime on their website!

 

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