For decades, the Detroit Lions were synonymous with heartbreak. Thanksgiving Day losses, playoff droughts, and legendary talents like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson retiring too soon — the loyal fans of Detroit football have seen it all. But something has changed.
The 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons ushered in a new era — an era of Dan Campbell grit, Jared Goff redemption, and an NFC Championship appearance that brought fans within a breath of the Super Bowl. Now, with a roaring resurgence, the Detroit Lions have not only captured their city’s soul — they’ve sparked a national following. Lions pride is no longer limited to Michigan. From Maine to Hawaii, fans are checking in.
So here it is: a roll call of the Honolulu Blue and Silver army, state by state. Lions fans, this is your moment — stand up and let the nation know your den is everywhere.
Alabama to Alaska: Lion Pride in the Unlikeliest Places
Alabama: Though it’s Roll Tide country, you’ll find Lions fans scattered in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa — many thanks to Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 2024 fantasy heroics turning SEC country into Lions believers. And don’t forget, defensive stud Brian Branch hails from the Crimson Tide. That connection is real.
Alaska: The land of snow and silence, but not when the Lions play. Anchorage bars have reported steady upticks in Sunday turnout. Jared Goff’s play-action bombs have even reached the Last Frontier.
From the Desert to the Coast: Arizona to California
Arizona: In the Valley of the Sun, Lions fans have grown in number, often transplants from Michigan who never gave up. Detroit bars in Phoenix blast “Forward Down the Field” after every touchdown. And lately, there have been a lot.
Arkansas: Razorback red mixes with Detroit blue in Fayetteville and Little Rock. With Detroit’s physical style echoing old-school football, more Arkansans are giving the Lions a second look — and becoming fans.
California: From Los Angeles to the Bay, California is crawling with Lions faithful — many of whom left the Midwest for sunshine but brought their blue-collar heart with them. St. Brown’s USC ties also helped — he’s a Trojan-turned-Lion that Californians can rally behind.
Heartland Heat: Colorado to Iowa
Colorado: Denver’s Mile High City has a growing pocket of Lions backers — with legal sports betting and fantasy leagues making Detroit a hot topic. Jahmyr Gibbs’ highlight-reel plays have made him a fan favorite in the Rockies.
Connecticut: Lions backers exist even in Patriots territory. Hartford has its own group of Lions loyalists, many of whom remember Barry Sanders vividly — and now see greatness again.
Delaware: Small state, big roar. Lions fans gather in Wilmington pubs to scream at TVs and share pride in a team that finally reflects their never-quit attitude.
Florida: Detroit retirees have created a southern Lions stronghold. Tampa, Orlando, and The Villages are full of fans who grew up on the Lions and now cheer under palm trees. Plus, the Lions beat the Bucs in the 2023 playoffs. That turned heads — and made a few converts.
Georgia: Falcons fans once laughed. Not anymore. Atlanta Lions bars now thrive on Sundays. Dan Campbell’s coaching intensity resonates in a state that appreciates hustle.
Hawaii: Lions fans in Honolulu celebrate with luau Sundays, rocking Honolulu blue while grilling Kalua pork. The time difference means early games — but these fans are awake and proud.
Idaho: Potato country now has Lions roots. Boise hosts a growing watch group where Lions jerseys outnumber Packers and Broncos on big game days.
Illinois: In Bears territory, Detroit fans find themselves in enemy land — but they’re louder than ever. Chicago has its own Lions bar now, and after sweeping the Bears in 2024, confidence is sky high.
Indiana: With the Colts stumbling, many in Fort Wayne and South Bend — cities close to Michigan’s border — have fully leaned into the Lions wave. Blue pride spills over state lines.
Iowa: Jack Campbell played at Iowa. Sam LaPorta did too. That’s all you need to know. Iowa City is now a Detroit Lions satellite city. Hawkeye fans became Lions fans — almost overnight.
From Coast to Cornfield: Kansas to Maine
Kansas: Patrick Mahomes may rule the state, but the Lions’ hard-nosed style has earned Kansas fans, especially in Wichita and Kansas City. Grit respects grit.
Kentucky: Lions fans in Louisville and Lexington proudly sport their gear, especially since Kentucky-native Levi Wallace signed in the offseason. Detroit’s run game, defense, and toughness have made them a second-favorite — and growing.
Louisiana: It’s Saints country, but don’t sleep on the Motor City connection. With the Lions beating New Orleans in an epic 2023 playoff duel, the respect is mutual. Lions fans in Baton Rouge now gather weekly.
Maine: New England may dominate the region, but Detroit’s rise has pierced the northernmost state. Portland hosts a thriving Detroit fan club that watches every game.
Coast to Capital: Maryland to Massachusetts
Maryland: Baltimore fans know what good defense looks like — and they respect Detroit’s rebuilt unit. In D.C. suburbs, fans of every team mingle, but Lions fans now stand taller, prouder than ever.
Massachusetts: Patriots dynasty? That was yesterday. Young fans in Boston tired of mediocrity have embraced Detroit’s energy. And with no ties to Brady anymore, loyalty is up for grabs.
Michigan: No roll call is complete without home base. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, and every small town in between are proudly blue. Ford Field has become a fortress. Fans finally have a team worthy of their lifelong loyalty.
Minnesota: Vikings fans are loyal, but after Detroit’s 2024 sweep, many Minnesotans quietly respect the Lions’ rebuild. Twin Cities Lions fans — once few — are growing in number and volume.
Mississippi: With ties to the SEC and the South, Lions fans are drawn to the team’s underdog story. Blue flags are flying in Jackson and Oxford alike.
Missouri: Kansas City dominates the state — but with St. Louis still without a team, many fans have chosen Detroit as their surrogate. The blue-collar mentality hits home.
Montana: Big Sky Country is surprisingly fond of the Lions. Why? Because Montana loves real football — and that’s what Detroit delivers now. Bars in Billings are filled on Sundays.
Southern Surge: Nebraska to North Carolina
Nebraska: Blue-collar pride lives in Lincoln, and so does Lions pride. Campbell’s culture resonates with Huskers fans who value toughness and leadership.
Nevada: Las Vegas may be home to the Raiders, but Lions fans flock to sportsbooks to back their team — and lately, cash tickets. Detroit is 2024’s bettors’ darling.
New Hampshire: Detroit’s playoff run created fresh fans in unexpected places — including in Manchester, where Sunday morning tailgates are now Lions-themed.
New Jersey: Giants fans are conflicted. Lions fans are not. Newark, Trenton, and even parts of South Jersey are roaring for Goff and Co. after back-to-back playoff runs.
New Mexico: Albuquerque now has a pocket of Lions fans, many originally from Michigan, others simply drawn to the team’s rebirth.
New York: Even in Buffalo and NYC, Lions fans are thriving. Manhattan bars dedicated to Detroit football have been packed since early 2024.
North Carolina: With tons of Michigan transplants in Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte, the Tar Heel state has developed a real Lions presence. And it’s only growing.
The Final Frontier: North Dakota to Wyoming
North Dakota: In Fargo and Bismarck, Lions games are appointment viewing. Residents love grit — and grit defines Dan Campbell’s team.
Ohio: Yes, Browns and Bengals rule — but make no mistake, there are Lions fans here too. Toledo is basically Detroit suburbia, and they wear their colors proudly.
Oklahoma: Lions fans in Tulsa and OKC are growing in number — many following the players they watched in college.
Oregon: Eugene and Portland boast strong Lions support — and not just because of Penei Sewell’s Oregon Ducks days. The style of football just hits right.
Pennsylvania: Eagles and Steelers dominate, but pockets of blue are everywhere. Harrisburg and Erie fans love the underdog story Detroit represents.
Rhode Island: The smallest state doesn’t lack passion. Lions fans here gather at Providence bars and scream with pride every Sunday.
South Carolina: Columbia and Charleston host Lions fans who admire the team’s smashmouth style. Jared Goff’s leadership also commands respect.
South Dakota: Small towns, big hearts. Sioux Falls is home to a growing Lions club that celebrates every win like a championship.
Tennessee: With the Titans in flux, some fans in Memphis and Nashville have shifted allegiances to Detroit — attracted to their culture and character.
Texas: Cowboys who? Detroit has carved out real territory in Texas. Dallas and Houston have seen huge growth in Lions gear and watch parties.
Utah: Salt Lake City fans admire the discipline of Detroit football. While college ball dominates, Sundays now include Lions fever.
Vermont: Quiet but fierce. Burlington’s Detroit fans are few — but loud. They’re loud because they finally have something to yell about.
Virginia: The D.C. region is packed with Michigan expats and Virginia-born Lions fans who love a good rebuild story. Detroit is that and more.
Washington: The Pacific Northwest sees its fair share of Lions gear now — and it’s not because of bandwagoners, but because of believers.
West Virginia: Lions fans here respect heart and humility. Dan Campbell’s crew shows both. Charleston watch groups are growing fast.
Wisconsin: Packerland… but enemy territory has cracks. Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay all have Lions fans, many born in Michigan but loud and proud behind enemy lines.
Wyoming: Finally, in Cheyenne and Casper, the roar is real. Even in the least populated state, Lions love has landed.
Final Roar
The Lions’ transformation isn’t just about wins. It’s about identity — a blue-collar, underdog, never-say-die ethos that echoes through every tackle, every Goff-to-St. Brown completion, every David Montgomery bruising run.
Whether you’re watching in Detroit, Dallas, or Denver… it’s time to check in. Sound off in the comments, drop your city, represent your state.
