Stafford throws 3 TD passes, Rams edge Goff's Lions 28-19
Matthew Stafford passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns against his former team, and Jalen Ramsey made an end zone interception on his 27th birthday with five minutes left in the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-19 victory over Jared Goff and the winless Detroit Lions.
Fully vaccinated NFL players, staff don’t have to wear masks
The NFL is not requiring fully vaccinated players and staff to wear masks at team facilities following the CDC’s latest guidance regarding COVID-19. In a memo sent to clubs on Friday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league and the NFL Players Association made the modification after consulting with their medical and scientific experts. Players and tiered staff who haven’t been fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks until they receive it. Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski learned of the news Friday on the practice field during rookie camp. The reigning NFL Coach of the Year was able to take his mask off for the first time as a head coach.
Giants sign WR Kenny Golladay to 4-year, $80 million deal
The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Saturday, March 20, 2021, because the deal has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)The New York Giants' anemic offensive is adding quite possibly the best free agent receiver on the market. The Giants on Saturday signed former Detroit Lions star Kenny Golladay to a four-year contract worth roughly $80 million in the hopes of giving quarterback Daniel Jones a big-threat receiver. “This team is going to get a competitor, a guy who is going to come and work,” Golladay said. “They just wanted to lay eyes on me, taking a different approach about this whole process,” Golladay said of the Giants having questions about him.
Jaguars’ moves: team adds 12 players, re-signs 2, releases 8
(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars announced a dozen players with whom they have agreed to terms. The team also re-signed tight end James O’Shaughnessy and kicker Aldrick Rosas and released eight reserves. The team also announced the release of cornerbacks Quenton Meeks, Rashaan Melvin and Josh Nurse, defensive tackles Dontavius Russell, Al Woods and Gabe Wright as well as punter Cameron Nizialek. The new league year began at 4 p.m. Wednesday marking the start of the period in which teams can sign players to contracts. The next important date on the calendar is April 29, the start of the NFL draft.
AP sources: Lions trade Stafford to LA for Goff, draft picks
ESPN first reported the swap, which will include the Rams' first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 along with their third-round pick this year. 1 overall draft picks will provide a fresh start for two durable starting quarterbacks who probably need a change of scenery. Stafford asked to be traded shortly after the current season ended with the Lions' third straight campaign with at least 10 losses. Los Angeles likely had to pay a premium in draft picks to persuade the Lions to take on Goff's deal. Shortly after last season, Stafford asked to be traded and spared from another rebuilding project.
Former Jaguars QB, WJXT analyst Mark Brunell hired by Detroit Lions
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Episcopal coach and News4Jax sports analyst Mark Brunell is heading back to the NFL, this time as an assistant coach. It marks Brunell’s first experience as an NFL coach. “What drew me to this job was an opportunity to work with our head coach, Dan Campbell. “We are grateful to Coach Brunell for the eight successful years he served as head coach of our football program. We are thankful to Coach Brunell for his service to our football program and school.
AP source: Lions looking into trading QB Matthew Stafford
The person spoke Saturday night, Jan 23, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team and Stafford did not announce the decision. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)The Detroit Lions and quarterback Matthew Stafford are planning to part ways. The Lions and Stafford have mutually agreed to explore the possibilities of trading him, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person spoke Saturday night to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team and Stafford did not announce the decision. 3 overall, passing up on quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert.
Washington hires Martin Mayhew as general manager
FILE - In this March 11, 2015, file photo, then-Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew speaks during a news conference in Allen Park, Mich. Washington has hired Martin Mayhew to be its new general manager. The hiring of Mayhew makes Washington the only team in the NFL with a Black team president and GM. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)Ron Rivera bulked up his front office Friday, hiring Martin Mayhew to be Washington's general manager and Marty Hurney to serve as executive vice president of football and player personnel. Mayhew joins Washington after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Marty has a proven track record as a successful scout and general manager and will be a vital part of shaping our roster."
AP source: New Lions coach Campbell gets 6-year deal
FILE - This is a 2016 file photo showing Dan Campbell of the New Orleans Saints NFL football team. The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell to be their coach. (AP Photo/File)The Detroit Lions landed the coach they coveted from the start of their search by hiring Dan Campbell. Philadelphia and Houston, meanwhile, still have an opening for a head coach. Patricia, a former New England defensive coordinator, was 13-29-1 in two-plus seasons as a first-time NFL head coach.
The Latest: Browns open 28-0 lead over Steelers
The Browns have raced to a 28-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns’ 28 points are the most by any team in the first quarter of a playoff game since the 1970 merger. So, this will be the first NFL playoff game ever pitting two quadragenarian quarterbacks. Drew Brees is trying to join Brett Favre and Tom Brady as quarterbacks to win a playoff game after turning 40. That was his third career playoff game with 150 or more rushing yards, one game shy of Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ record.
Falcons interview Hackett, Brady for head coaching job
Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is becoming a popular name for NFL teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. A person familiar with the situation says the Chargers, Falcons and Texans have all asked for and received permission from the Panthers to interview Brady for their head coaching jobs. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed a pair of offensive coordinators, Nathaniel Hackett of the Green Bay Packers and Joe Brady of the Carolina Panthers, for their head coaching job. The Falcons conducted a virtual interview with Hackett on Thursday, one day after meeting virtually with Brady. “I think one of the (prerequisites) to being a good head coach is presence in front of a room," Rodgers said.
The Latest: Derrick Henry has 5th-best season in NFL history
___7:07 p.m.Derrick Henry has become the eighth man in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards in a single season. Henry came into Sunday’s regular season finale needing 223 yards rushing to become the second man in franchise history to reach 2,000. Henry came in with 1,777 yards rushing this season, and he now is 88 yards away from becoming the eighth man in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards. The Titans lead Houston 17-9 at halftime with NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry running for 113 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The Green Bay Packers have set an NFL season record for second-quarter points.
The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week
(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)The Latest on Week 16 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.For the first time since 2014 there will be an NFL playoff team with a losing record. The winner will remain alive in the NFC East playoff race if Washington loses to Carolina. ___6:05 p.m.Washington is well on the way to blowing its first chance to clinch the NFC East. ___6 p.m.Eleven teams in the NFC are still harboring hopes of making a playoff run with Week 16 winding down. 1 seed in the NFC with a win Sunday night against the Titans and a Seattle loss or tie.
Brady-led Bucs top Lions 47-7 to end 13-year playoff drought
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Detroit. The Bucs (10-5) set a franchise record with 588 yards and snapped the NFL’s second-longest postseason drought behind Cleveland’s 18-year run that can end Sunday. RECORD WATCHBrady has thrown a franchise-record 36 touchdowns and set a personal record with 348 yards passing by halftime. Tampa Bay set team records in points (34) and yards (410) in the first half. Lions: Stafford left the game with an ankle injury after he was 2 of 3 for 17 yards on his only possession.
Lions' Bevell can't coach vs Bucs due to COVID protocols
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)Detroit Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell is the NFL’s first head coach to miss a game because of COVID-19 protocols even though he has not tested positive for the coronavirus. The Lions (5-9) will also be without defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, defensive line coach Bo Davis, defensive backs coach Steve Gregory and linebackers coach Ty McKenzie against Tampa Bay (9-5) on Saturday. Browns first-year coach Kevin Stefanski said “there’s a possibility” when asked if Wills will play this week against the Jets. For the Lions, they will lean on two men to call plays for the first time in an NFL game. I’m calling plays in an NFL game.
Report: Jaguars to interview ESPN analyst Riddick for GM position
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick looks on before the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars will interview ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Louis Riddick for their GM position on Wednesday. ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Louis Riddick will interview Wednesday for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ general manager job, per @mortreport and me. Riddick already has interviewed for the GM openings in Houston and Detroit. The Jaguars GM opening is shaping up to be an exceptional position in 2021.
The Latest: Wake Forest's Tariq Ingraham out for season
The Demon Deacons haven’t played since Nov. 27 after pausing team activities due to novel coronavirus issues. The Orange have paused team activities due to contact tracing. ___South Carolina’s 2-8 football team won’t be going to a bowl game after pausing team activities due to the novel coronavirus. Tanner said the combination of positive COVID-19 tests plus necessary contact tracing made it impossible to compete. In all, 16,222 COVID-19 tests were administered over a seven-day period ending last Saturday to 2,391 players, and 25,279 tests were administered to 4,536 personnel.
Rodgers-led Packers beat Lions 31-24, clinch NFC North title
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit. Rodgers ran for a tiebreaking score in the third quarter and threw three touchdown passes, lifting the Green Bay Packers to a 31-24 win over the the Detroit Lions to clinch the NFC North title. “To have the whole thing come through Green Bay is something we’ve talked about for a long time," Rodgers said. “That would definitely be in our favor with the weather that we have in Green Bay. Green Bay repeated as division champion with its win and Minnesota’s loss to Tampa Bay earlier in the day.
The Latest: Lions place DE Griffen on COVID-19 list
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Detroit Lions defensive end Everson Griffen was placed on the COVID-19 list a day before he was expected to play a key role against Green Bay. The Lions announced Griffen is on the list created for players who either test positive for the coronavirus or have been in close contact with an infected person. Detroit elevated defensive end Kareem Martin and offensive tackle Dan Skipper from the practice squad Saturday. The Lions acquired Griffen from Dallas in October and he has 2 1/2 sacks and three passes defended in five games. Running backs Matt Breida (COVID-19 list) and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) were already sidelined.
Stafford throws 3 TDs, Lions rally to beat Bears 34-30
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – Darrell Bevell had a hard time processing everything from his first game as an NFL coach. They fired general manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia while elevating Bevell, their offensive coordinator, to interim coach. But the Lions turned things around down the stretch, sending the Bears (5-7) to their sixth straight loss. The Lions came out on top after losing four of five, and Stafford gave Bevell the game ball.
Prater's 59-yard FG lifts Lions to 30-27 win over Washington
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)DETROIT – The Detroit Lions leaned on their dynamic duo for comebacks and they came through again. Matthew Stafford directed the final drive with just 16 seconds left to set up Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Lions to a 30-27 win over Washington on Sunday. Prater made a go-ahead, 37-yard field goal with 2:42 remaining. It made a field goal and had a punt, missed field goal and Terry McLaurin's fumble on the possessions. In the second half, Washington got into the end zone on 82- and 84-yard drives and had the ball midway through the fourth quarter down a touchdown.
The Latest: Quarterbacks drafted No. 1 shine around NFL
The Latest on Week 10 in the NFL (all times EST):___8 p.m.From Kyler Murray magic to Alex Smith’s latest milestone, it was quite the day for quarterbacks selected first in the NFL draft. The Cardinals beat Buffalo 32-30 on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins with 2 seconds left, dropping the Bills record to 7-3. Brees was shaken up on a sack in the second quarter when Kentavius Street landed on him. 1 pick Joe Burrow, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant with 58 seconds left in the first quarter. Cole had scored on a franchise-record 91-yard punt return in the second quarter.
Stafford on Reserve/COVID-19 list, wife says he's negative
DETROIT – Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, although his wife Kelly said on social media he tested negative. The Reserve/COVID-19 list was created for players who either test positive or have been in close contact with an infected person. Some NFL teams have closed their training centers after players and or staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Three months ago, the Lions removed Stafford from the COVID-19 list after saying he received a false positive test result. Kelly Stafford had plenty to say on her Instagram page in August after the false positive test, lashing out at the league for publicly putting her husband on the list.
Rivers' 3 TDs in 2nd quarter help Colts beat Lions 41-21
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)DETROIT – Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter to give the Indianapolis Colts a double-digit lead and they beat the Detroit Lions 41-21 on Sunday. Hines had so much energy he celebrated each of his two touchdowns in the second quarter with moves that would make a gymnast proud, pulling off roundoffs into full twists in the end zone. Stafford's second touchdown pass helped the Lions pull within six points early in the third quarter, but he turned the ball over to let Indy pull away. Lions: WR Kenny Golladay (hip), WR Jamal Agnew (ribs) and OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (foot) left the game.
Lions stun Falcons 23-22 after letting Atlanta score late TD
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Atlanta. Gurley landed on the goal line for a touchdown that, as it turned out, led to another stunning loss for the Atlanta Falcons. Detroit let Gurley score with just over a minute remaining to get the ball back, giving Matthew Stafford enough time to drive the Lions to the winning TD as time expired Sunday. “Just an amazing game,” Detroit coach Matt Patricia said. That backed up the extra-point attempt to the 30-yard line, but Prater knocked it through to win the game.
The Latest: Seahawks lead Cardinals 27-17 at halftime
___10:09 p.mArizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Irving has been carted off the field after a collision on a kickoff just before halftime against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville rallied from a 16-0 deficit and took the lead, but the Jaguars have been blanked in the fourth quarter. ___7:10 p.m.Tom Brady moved one touchdown pass ahead of Drew Brees for the career lead. Mayfield threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Bryant to even the score in the second quarter. New York leads 3-0.
No end in sight: Jaguars dominated in loss to Lions
Chark of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter in the game at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. The slide continued for the Jaguars, who were knocked around from open to close by the Lions in a 34-16 loss at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday. After three straight losses to previously winless teams (Dolphins, Bengals, Texans), the Jaguars found the one-win Lions just as challenging to stop. The defense gave up 185 rushing yards, the bulk of those to Swift (116 yards on 14 carries, two TDs) and 40 more (and a TD) to Adrian Peterson. As a team, the Jaguars finished with 44 yards rushing on 16 carries.
The Latest: Brady, Bucs roll to win, give Packers first loss
Brady threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Gronkowski, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rolled to a 38-10 win over the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers. Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for a 12-yard touchdown with 1:02 left in the second quarter to cap the rally. It's been a tough afternoon so far for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Dolphins had a 21-0 halftime lead after Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 147 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Board has movement in his limbs after suffering a concussion and neck injury in the team's win over Washington.
Let the game begin: All Jaguars active players negative for COVID-19
The Jaguars (1-4) host Detroit (1-3) on Sunday and plan to play as scheduled, but as a precaution, the Jaguars will be conducting all football-related activities remotely. The Jaguars are the fourth NFL team to deal with COVID issues in recent days, joining Atlanta, Indianapolis and New England. The Colts had four positive tests that came up negative upon retesting. Coach Doug Marrone listed Chark as questionable for the game. If he can’t play, Chark would be sidelined for the second time in four weeks.
Jaguars practice squad player tests positive for COVID-19
Jacksonville, FLA – An unnamed player on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad tested positive for the coronavirus Friday night, according to a statement the team released Saturday morning. The Patriots canceled practice Friday and later placed center James Ferentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Practice squad player Bill Murray also returned from the COVID-19 list Thursday. Falcons rookie defensive tackle Marlon Davidson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday and a second person, who is not a player, subsequently tested positive. The Panthers placed guard/center Tyler Larsen on the reserve/COVID-19 list five days after he played against Atlanta.
Pandemic limiting what NFL players can do on their off weeks
The Packers (4-0) and Detroit Lions (1-3) don’t play this week and therefore are the first NFL teams to get a taste of how different off weeks will be amid a pandemic. “We have new protocols in place that are meant to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. The NFL sent out a reminder Friday that the league’s agreement with the NFL Players Association in August means players who miss tests can be punished with a $50,000 fine. “You’ve got to look no further than Tennessee.”The protocols are impacting some players more than others. While the protocols have changed those plans, it has created opportunities for those players who already have their family members with them.
The Latest: Wentz has early interception against 49ers
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)The Latest on Week 4 in the NFL (all times EDT)___8:35 p.m.Carson Wentz has thrown his NFL-worst seventh interception of the season for the Philadelphia Eagles. ___7:05 p.m.Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s 1-yard sneak that gave Buffalo a 23-16 lead over Las Vegas early in the fourth quarter. ___7:20 p.m.Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is back guiding the Bills offense after injuring his left shoulder late in the first half at Las Vegas. ___6:40 p.m.Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen headed to the locker room after falling on his left wrist. The high-scoring start to the 2020 NFL season continued Sunday with several games featuring lots of points and very little defense.
Joe Montana, wife block attempted kidnapping of grandchild
FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, Joe Montana and his wife, left, Jennifer walk onto the field at Levi's Stadium before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions in Santa Clara, Calif. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and his wife confronted a home intruder who attempted to kidnap their grandchild over the weekend, law enforcement confirmed on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Joe Montana, wife block attempted kidnapping of grandchild
(AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)LOS ANGELES – Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and his wife confronted a home intruder who attempted to kidnap their 9-month-old grandchild over the weekend, law enforcement officials confirmed on Sunday. Montana and his wife, Jennifer, confronted the woman, whom authorities later identified as Sodsai Dalzell, tried to “de-escalate the situation” and asked her to give back their grandchild. After a tussle, law enforcement officials say Jennifer Montana pried the child out of Dalzell's arms. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out,” the former San Francisco 49ers star tweeted. Montana, 64, retired after the 1994 season, playing 13 years of his 15 year-career with the San Francisco 49ers, which won four Super Bowls with him as starting quarterback.
Jones' big day helps Packers beat Lions 42-21 in home opener
Jones rushed for a career-high 168 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 75-yard breakaway, as the Green Bay Packers rallied from an early 11-point deficit to beat the Detroit Lions 42-21 on Sunday. After his first touchdown of the day, a 7-yard reception from Aaron Rodgers, Jones did a different kind of Lambeau Leap. Rodgers was 18 of 30 for 240 yards with touchdown passes to Jones and Robert Tonyan. Green Bay took the lead for good 17-14 on Rodgers’ 11-yard pass to Tonyan with 14 seconds left in the second quarter. Packers receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), center Corey Linsley (hand) and running back/receiver Tyler Ervin (concussion) left in the second half.
Trubisky throws 3 TDs in 4th to help Bears beat Lions 27-23
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford throws against the Chicago Bears in the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)DETROIT – Mitchell Trubisky perfectly lofted a 27-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Anthony Miller with 1:54 remaining and the Chicago Bears held on to beat the Detroit Lions 27-23 Sunday. Trubisky threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to help Chicago come back from a 17-point deficit. It looked familiar to Lions fans: Detroit opened last season by blowing an 18-point lead at Arizona and settling for a tie. Late in the game, Lions fans likely would've filled the facility with a chorus of boos.
AP source: Peterson agrees to 1-year deal with Detroit
DETROIT Adrian Peterson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement had not been announced. Peterson is 1,053 yards behind Lions great Barry Sanders for fourth on the career rushing list. At this stage of his career, Peterson may need his workload managed. ___Follow Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Stafford says he didn't give much thought to opting out
FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2019, file photo, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif. Since the start of last year, Matthew Stafford has had to deal with a health scare involving his wife, his own injury problems -- and more recently, a coronavirus test that the team later described as a false positive. It's been a difficult period for the Detroit star. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)
Former Michigan State football star receiver Charles Rogers dies at 38
Former Michigan State University and Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers, 38, has died. Rogers won the 2002 Biletnikoff Award for the top receiver in college football. (CNN) - Former Michigan State University and Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers, 38, has died. A spokesman for Michigan State confirmed Rogers' death to CNN, but did not say how he died. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Rogers.
Cheesehead ref billboard pops up after controversial football game
ClickOnDetroit (WDIV)FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WDIV) - A billboard showing a football referee wearing a cheesehead popped up along I-275 in Michigan as Detroit Lions fans continue to protest the officiating in the "Monday Night Football" game against the Green Bay Packers. At least one billboard in Metro Detroit has featured the image of a referee signaling an "illegal hands to the face" penalty while wearing the Packers' signature cheesehead, ClickOnDetroit reported Thursday. Sky 4 captured video of the billboard at about 4 p.m. Thursday along I-275 near 10 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In both instances, the "Monday Night Football" announcers, as well as fans and analysts across social media, disagreed with the calls. It's been three days, but obviously Lions fans haven't forgotten.