The Portsmouth Spartans were established in 1928 and played in Southern Ohio for six seasons. IN 1934 they were purchased for $8,000 by a Detroit radio executive who moved the team to Michigan. They were renamed the Lions and became one of the most successful teams in football during the 1950s. It was a rough ride in the 1960s, and even tougher after the merger. Before 2024's Super Wild Card Round victory, Detroit hadn't won in the post-season since 1992.Â
