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Franchise history
As the Portsmouth Spartans, this franchise played in the unofficial NFL championship game in 1932. The Spartans-Bears game was played because there was a dispute over which team had the better record at the close of the season. The resulting interest led to the establishment of Eastern and Western conferences and a regular championship game beginning in 1933.
Poor revenues led to the team's move from Portsmouth, Ohio to Detroit in 1934. That season, Detroit hosted its first ever Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition continued to this day.
Under quarterback Dutch Clark, Detroit won its first NFL championship in 1935. Detroit enjoyed its greatest success in the 1950s, led by QB Bobby Layne.
Players of note
Pro Football Hall of Famers:
- Lem Barney (1992)
- Jack Christiansen (1970)
- Earl "Dutch" Clark (1963)
- Lou Creekmur (1996)
- Bill Dudley (1966)
- Dick "Night Train" Lane (1974)
- Yale Lary (1979)
- Bobby Layne (1967)
- Joe Schmidt (1973)
- Doak Walker (1986)
- Alex Wojciechowicz (1968)
Current stars:
- Dre' Bly
- Joey Harrington
- Robert Porcher
Retired numbers:
Not to be forgotten:
- Mel Farr
- Alex Karras
- Greg Landry
- Herman Moore
- Barry Sanders
- Billy Sims
- Chris Spielman
Detroit Lions official web site