The win in a loss: Detroit fans reign victorious…anyway!
File under: [sports, pop culture, psychology]
Watching the Netflix special Quarterback, brought all the memories back in full force. I recall it as if it were yesterday…
Clothed in his black and Honolulu blue Jared Goff jersey, my 12-year-old JoJo blurts from the top of the stairs in true dramatic fashion, “My life is over….Mommy how can you possibly watch another game?”. Ten-year-old Carter mirrors the deep sorrow rippling through our home as he abrasively removes his Hutchinson jersey stomping up the stairs stating, “I am done with this team…I am going back to the Packers”. I sat stunned on the couch, overwhelmed by disbelief and genuine heartbreak in reference to the evidence of defeat adorned across my television screen….Yep, 45-31, a ferocious smackdown on my Detroit Lions.
Some may roll their eyes in response to my overly cinematic articulation of the post-game sentiments, while many others experienced a similar heart-wrenching gut punch as they too mourned the heartbreak. I dreamed about the game that night, even my subconscious was impacted by such an astounding and improbable loss. Affirmations such as “we had one hell of a season” nor the proverbial perspective shift that “it is just a game” didn’t seem to soothe the burn of defeat. The grief continued, my mood low and even a few tears shed while listening to the great Dan Campbell humble himself in the post loss press conference as he acknowledged the grit of his beloved players that literally put their hearts, minds, and bodies on the line. Campbell demonstrated the stellar accountability and stewardship of only the most prized leaders.
For anyone that believes it’s just a game, allow me to put this in perspective.
I remember being a teenager, gitty with the anticipation of eating pizza and watching the Detroit Lions with my grandfather on football Sunday. Attending games in the Pontiac Silverdome and mesmerized by the magic that is Barry Sanders. A true Lions fan was born. Coming of age in the 90s and 2000’s I remembered the winless 2008 season and the many underwhelming seasons prior and thereafter. I recall watching the unrequited talents of Calvin Johnson, Ndamukong Suh, Matthew Stafford, and others. Year after year, my fellow Lion’s fans and I endured repetitious losses and failures committed to the notion that someday, the Lions would surely roar. And boy did they roar!
Under a Dan Campbell takeover, our 2022 Detroit Lion’s shocked the world, while our 2023 Detroit Lion’s ignited the nation with hope and possibility. A once gitty 14-year-old girl was now a 41 year old gitty mom of two, eating pizza and commenting on plays with great enthusiasm and pride. Our 2024 Detroit Lion’s were destined to glow all the way to the Superbowl and do the unprecedented in division and NFL history. While we did not go all the way to destination Superbowl for the first time in franchise history, the glow was undeniable.
As the leagues long time underdog, The Detroit Lions represent one of the most compelling comeback stories of all time. The underdog is so captivating because it appeals to our natural tendency to empathize with and root for those perceived as disadvantaged. Many Americans know what it’s like to envision and work towards a goal only to end up disappointed and deflated. We tend to experience a sense of justice by seeing our comrades’ overcome obstacles and achieve success against the odds. And, when the underdog prevails it is a magical depiction of hope actualized and great inspiration beyond the average struggle. The Lions invited us to consider that perhaps, with just enough grit and a little communal pride, it is never too late to rise to the occasion and reign victorious. The Detroit Lions made our nation believers in something that once seemed unlikely and damn near unimaginable. This kind of influence permeates even the greatest skeptic’s soul and transcends the game of football all together. If the Lions can make that kind of comeback, surely, I can do one more rep in the gym, aim a little higher in my business, or triumph over failure of any magnitude.
As the owner/principal psychologist for the Detroit-based therapeutic and consulting firm, The Diane Morgan Group, I’ve witnessed how inspiration and resiliency is a core feature of recovery for so many people navigating the woes of life. Bearing witness to a true comeback story can serve as one viable antidote to the hopelessness and helplessness that often accompany the trauma experiences of so many people across the world.
And this is why, while the heartbreak of such a scandalous 45-31 loss may sting for a day or two, or even the entire postseason, we Michiganders rest on the evidence that overcoming is frankly one of Detroit’s most endearing superpowers. We were made to reign over struggle, strife and all the haters. The streets can keep talking and the skeptics can chatter, but we thank our Lions for embodying poise and humility. We thank you for reminding us of the transformative power of honor and resilience. It isn’t just a game after all. It’s about working tirelessly as a true believer. Turns out my son wasn’t done. Within just a few days of the most the most magnanimous loss in the 2024 season, I was throwing the football to my 10-year-old son who was yet again proudly wearing his Aiden Hutchinson jersey (no mention of the Packers might I add) proclaiming, “Mommy, I am definitely going to be faster than Jahmyr Gibbs…just watch”. I went to bed heartbroken on January 18, 2025, inspired and blazing ahead for the promise of this upcoming 2025 season.
To my cherished Lions, you may have lost a monumental game, but more monumental moments are on the horizon. The unconditionally loving and loyal fans that span our nation are here to celebrate you when it’s great and when it’s hard because we are…One Pride!
Image credit: Google
Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson is a licensed psychologist, consultant, educator, speaker, therapeutic coach and the creator of The Diane Morgan Group (DMG)–your premier therapeutic and consulting firm.
