Yesterday afternoon, there came a momentous occasion, one that had some people dropping to their knees in prayer and others uncorking cases of champagne. I’m surprised riots didn’t break out replete with overturned police cars, bonfires and widespread looting.
That’s because the heavens parted and a miracle occurred.
News Flash: the losing-est team in football – no, in all the annals of sports history – finally won a game.
That’s right, folks, the Detroit Lions broke their two year and 19-game losing streak, soundly trouncing the Washington Redskins 19-14.
Okay, perhaps I exaggerate the “trouncing.” Five points is what I call just squeaking by. I’m only echoing the news reports from the local media outlets of the last 12 hours.
I must admit, I am no sports fanatic. It could be the lack of athletic ability. I was the perennial “last place” runner in elementary school. I had barely enough stamina to walk much less throw anything. It was only with maturity did I give sports a try, when I was part of a losing-est softball team in St. Paul. (The after parties were to die for.)
I’m also a Michigan transplant, having grown up in Colorado where I cheered for Broncos. (Go, John Elway.) I lived in the Twin Cities for over a decade, and married a man who was born and bred to love Purple People Eaters (the Vikes). He recalls fondly sitting outside in the old Met Stadium (now home to the Mall of America) and freezing his patootie off in the dead of winter. That’s when football was football, my friends. We are ex-pats living in Motown, two of the growing multitude showing up at Lions games in complete Viking regalia to cheer on the away team when they come to town.
Perhaps it’s my previous incarnations in other cities, but I’ve lived here 23 years and I still can’t get behind the Lions. About 15 years ago, I wondered aloud why William Clay Ford was still in the football business. (Tax write off?) However, watching the surrounding Lions show is enormously entertaining. Besides, they've been down so long, it looks like up to them.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
If you think it's your fault that you can't get behind the Lions, then also blame yourself for not eating Spam, wearing Crocs, or watching According to Jim.
2 - Joanne Huspek
Eww, Matthew. I happily do none of those things.