How Cursed Were The Detroit Lions Actually ?

How a disgruntled NFL quarterback cursed his former team, the Detroit Lions, and sent the franchise spiraling into 60 years of futility marred by injury, and controversy.
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[@firstteamfootball]

While the editing took about 150+ hours, the pain of this story has lasted a lifetime. If you enjoyed this video please share it with a fellow lions fan and subscribe for more great football stories

[@janellemaynait]

Well done from a lions fan

[@BenjaminDembowski]

My favorite part is how on the graphic of the 2023 season the game against the Cowboys was marked as a win. FTC.

[@Yooper14]

Reliving those horrible ref calls is painful. But on the other end of the spectrum, just seeing a short snippet of our playoff win over the Rams fills me with so much joy! That win meant so much to us Lions lifers. Love this team!

[@firstteamfootball]

That's why we love football. 30 years of misery can be cured in 60 minutes

[@davidgreenidge9879]

I agree I've been watching these cats for over 50+ years this new front office and staff knows what's its doing.

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

I still don't understand why the NFL doesn't want the Lions to succeed. All those bad calls were straight from the top, predetermined, but why? I'm a Raiders fan and we all know why the NFL hates the Raiders. Al didn't do us any favors there. What the hell did the Lions ever do for the powers to be to make sure the they can't win primetime/playoff games?

[@samueldenton5512]

​@@UpsonPrattJr.Bruh I've been asking the same thing. But not to sound arrogant things are beginning to look up for the Lions. With their recent success the NFL can no longer ignore, disrespect, or hide the Lions away. The refs skunky calls will be heavily scrutinized.

[@kevinpage3610]

Same

[@zakfuji6303]

I am a life long Steelers fan but I've always liked the Lions, after watching this and learning about the history of this "curse" and those HORRIBLE ref calls... I now have 2 teams to root for.

[@RedWing88]

I remember when you guys went to the SB at ford field. All the lions fans were hoping you would win because of Jerome Bettis. Us lions fans respect the Steelers. Terry Bradshaw autographed my Terry Bradshaw rookie card.

[@-BUGZ-]

@@RedWing88I second this, I have always had respect for the Steelers and that superbowl here was crazy black and yellow literally everywhere when we are used to Blue, Silver, Red and Orange in the city lol

[@michaelgreen5824]

I wish that everyone could just appreciate what the Detroit Lions have accomplished this year. What we need to do is look at 2023 in a historical perspective. What Dan Campbell has done for the Lions in his 3 years as head coach mirrors what Chuck Noll did for the Pittsburgh Steelers about a half century ago. Like the Lions of the recent decades, the Steelers were perennial losers for the first 4 decades of their existence. They had never even played in a playoff game until 1972. Hall of Fame Coach Noll took that job in 1969, and launched a dynasty that won 4 Super Bowls during the 1970s and is considered the team of the decade. But it took him some time to build that dynasty as the first of those 4 Super Bowls was played in 1974. I would like to offer Coach Campbell a mulligan on this year's playoffs realizing that Rome, the Steelers, and the Lions weren't built in a day. Keep in mind that the Steelers have remained consistent winner's over the past half century once their organizational culture was changed.

[@donaldforest1942]

Detroit Lions should be better because the Lions are allowed to challenge the refs with instant replay,anytime you allow gambling in sports it means the games are fixed,that why the NFL is now an entertainment business and not a sport business ,it's as bad as wrestling crooked refs that get called out for not doing their job and the next week they are still working it happened to the Lions last season again with bad referees the next week they got the same ref who blew the call last week before,the NFL has no shame.

[@wylandhall7902]

i’m a lions fan but i’ve always loved the steelers too, we can both root for each other this year🎉

[@jarrodheffron1414]

Dan Campbell's introduction speech is still the funniest speech from a coach in any sport that I've ever heard. Fuckin love that guy. 😅😅

[@firstteamfootball]

One of the best coaching personalities to come around in a while

[@moonjelly5]

My thought when hired was "Great choice, even if he is terrible, he will at least be entertaining."

[@moonjelly5]

I remember UrinatingTree's quote on the hiring: "The Lions hired a Doomsday prepper who talked about biting kneecaps. This will either be one of the best coaching hires of all time or the next Freddy Kitchens. There will be no in-betweens (and either way I will laugh my ass off)." We seem to have landed on the former.

[@perojunak6949]

Yessir! And it proved to be true!

[@ShadowOfCicero]

@@moonjelly5 I remember after the NFC Championship game he also groused, "Live by the overaggression, die by the overaggression." But that's the thing. We truly LIVED by it. In that playoff run, how many times did we pick up 3rd and 10 or even 3rd and 12 on a run play because the defense couldn't help but think, "They wouldn't dare."

[@snasbury]

The week 17 game against Dallas marked as a win is awesome

[@firstteamfootball]

Oops 🤔😜

[@MrBetaKiller100]

Ah the irony of another reffing catastrophe lol

[@bcagz9835]

I’m a 42 year old life long lions fan. Most people don’t understand the absolute pain we’ve felt as fans. Thanks for putting this all together. This video really did a good job encompassing what our fandom has seen over the years. We love Brad, Sheila, Speilman, and MCDC. I really hope they’ve finally broken the curse. God bless you Jeff Daniels.

[@jamesstegenga383]

40 here. I completely understand. This is the first time on my life that I can say with a straight face, these Lions can win the Super Bowl.

[@whosyaghaddy5382]

The amount of emotions this video put me through as a lions fan is insane man. This franchise has been through it on the field and off as fans have dealt with this team getting shit on by other fans its whole life during the SB era and even by their own fans. Love this team and am glad they represent the state of michigan and am glad things are finally ending with that damn curse.

[@richman61]

62 here. They are the only NFL team I root for, my home team The Lions! We will win, I can feel it more than ever.

[@thomasb.smithjr.8401]

You realize that when a franchise reaches the depths for a lengthy period of time, no one respects you. No one lets you off the mat. Not even the officials. Bad call(s) go against you ? Their attitude was, 'Oh [bleep] you. You weren't going to win this game, anyway. You're the Lions.' 😕 Well, not anymore. The sea change in stature and respect is breathtaking. And yet there is still so much to prove. Stay hungry, Detroit. Redeem us all ... 🏉 🏈

[@knowprosports]

Even though I’m a fan of another NFL team. I think I speak for any football fan when I say “ I wouldn’t hate to see the Lions finally make it to and win a Super Bowl”

[@knowprosports]

Same thing goes for the Browns and Bengals…

[@nextin_dabuilding2908]

Basically the trashes franchises

[@biffschlaffley7847]

The Lions are the only NFC team that has not made it to at least 1 Super Bowl,the other 3 of 4 teams not to make are in the AFC.Most notably the Browns were the last team the Lions played against to win a championship as the Browns are the oldest AFC team not to make it to at least 1 Super Bowl.

[@douglashudson4706]

@@knowprosports I'm pretty sure a Lions/Browns Super Bowl is the next sign of the Apocalypse (Cubs/Indians World Series was the first)

[@shotgames5287]

After watching the whole video, i expected this to be made by sports center or another massive sports channel (idk if sports center does stuff like this, I'm from Switzerland so I dont watch American TV) but i was amazed that this was done by a channel with 80 subs. This is top quality content and if you continue to put videos like this out, im sure you're going to grow to be huge. well researched, well spoken and very informative. Already can't wait for the next video.

[@firstteamfootball]

Words can’t describe how much this means to our team. We appreciate all the support this early on in our journey and promise to put out more high quality content in the near future

[@FilmmakerOfYT]

You are so right. Small content creators should get more spotlight.

[@firstteamfootball]

@@FilmmakerOfYT seriously though....just watched some of your videos and they deserve way more love

[@FilmmakerOfYT]

@@firstteamfootball Thank you! I also think many small creators like myself should get a sliver of more respect.

[@valeriepickens2533]

When you live in the land of Hollywood,...everyone is a star! ( just ask them)

[@levirooney9957]

putting win next to the cowboys game is too good XD. DECKER REPORTED

[@trekkiexb5]

glad I wasn't the only one to notice that!

[@marcpomaville9429]

They mixed it up though, said we lost to the Vikings

[@Intrenxic_Dark]

Lifelong Lions fan here and I appreciate this superb video. High-quality production, great commentary, and overall fantastic presentation. In my heart of hearts, I believe that the curse is over and now we have to make it on our own steam. Whether or not we'll do that is a completely different situation but, for now, there are no more excuses.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you!! It’s go time for them.

[@michaelgreen5824]

I wish that everyone could just appreciate what the Detroit Lions have accomplished this year. What we need to do is look at 2023 in a historical perspective. What Dan Campbell has done for the Lions in his 3 years as head coach mirrors what Chuck Noll did for the Pittsburgh Steelers about a half century ago. Like the Lions of the recent decades, the Steelers were perennial losers for the first 4 decades of their existence. They had never even played in a playoff game until 1972. Hall of Fame Coach Noll took that job in 1969, and launched a dynasty that won 4 Super Bowls during the 1970s and is considered the team of the decade. But it took him some time to build that dynasty as the first of those 4 Super Bowls was played in 1974. I would like to offer Coach Campbell a mulligan on this year's playoffs realizing that Rome, the Steelers, and the Lions weren't built in a day. Keep in mind that the Steelers have remained consistent winner's over the past half century once their organizational culture was changed.

[@firstteamfootball]

Great comparison!

[@johnboehmer6683]

Interestingly enough, the Pittsburgh Steelers history is part of the Bobby Layne curse. Pittsburgh was of course the team Layne was traded to. Pre-Layne, as stated, they were perennial losers, never winning a playoff game. And though things didn't change overnight, the 60s saw Pittsburgh with some high seasons to go with the lows. And more importantly, they have become the winningest franchise in the NFL since the 70s.

[@theYoopercorn]

I really appreciate you mentioning the guards we lost tragically. Also, you showed a pic of Roy Williams when you mentiond BMW. Roy was the onyl one whi worked out at all, and we fleeced dallas for him later. The high points of the era...

[@firstteamfootball]

After doing our research, we were completely shocked to learn about the tragic paralyzation of Mike Utley and passing of Eric Andolsek

[@firstteamfootball]

Good catch on the mike Williams/Roy Williams mixup! Dallas was fleeced but they got their get-back though 😅

[@theYoopercorn]

@@firstteamfootball Reggie Brown was another player who's career ended on a board. I just root for guys to get up each play, at this point. Don't forget that Burlsons 3 OPI calls in the Saints playoff game. Or Lomas Brown guaranteeing a playoff win against the Eagles in the 90s. So much painful history. Still love em, and it makes this success sweeter.

[@subtlebluntduality5997]

Great video. One story you missed was the sudden death of Don McCafferty in 1974. He was about to start his second season as the head coach of the Lions but right before training camp was going to start, he suffered a fatal heart attack while mowing the lawn at his house.

[@AceBG27]

Or how about the Lions have the only player in NFL history to die in a game? Chuck Hughes, 1971 vs the Bears.

[@STATEROCKSMW2]

I am a Packers fan that lives an hour away from Detroit. I loved this video. I honestly hope the lions start getting the respect they deserve. I remember watching the Texans Thanksgiving game and was shocked. I hope for the next 5 years that the Packers and Lions are battling for NFC North title. It will make my family functions alot more fun. Great video.

[@firstteamfootball]

we are thinking about doing a video on the packers. what do you think?

[@roems6396]

Are you from Michigan, or Wisconsin?

[@STATEROCKSMW2]

I'm from Michigan. I live an hour away from Detroit.

[@STATEROCKSMW2]

@firstteamfootball I would absolutely love that. Gives me another video to send to my friends that are bears fans. They been talking so much shit to me about Love.

[@roems6396]

@@STATEROCKSMW2 I can’t understand fans that root for the bandwagon teams from other states. One of my good friends is also a Packers fan, and I could never understand it.

[@crypticzomb8994]

My family has been fans of the lions since the 50s. This video gave me a lot of emotions because it remember the stories my grandfather told me about the team when I was just a kid… I can tell you my grandfather would be proud of his favorite team if he was still here… love ya gramp 🙏 hope you have a good view up there

[@ManifestMyFuturesDestiny]

Being a Lions fan, I commend you on one of the most accurate displays of the history of this team that I've ever seen. A couple of minor things: -You mentioned one of the bad draft picks of the Millen Era was Mike Williams but you showed Roy Williams's picture. -When displaying the 2023 Lions record, you marked a win against Dallas when they loss (they should have won). Otherwise, you did an amazing job.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and we appreciate your feedback!

[@buckeyeinmi9950]

I bear the weight of a combined 85 years of suffering from my dad, a lifelong lion fan who passed away before the 2021 NFL draft, 2 days and 2 years ago. I myself am 25 and i must say. This year. It feels different compared to offseasons past. These lions. You could probably put them at ground zero for a nuke and it'd only make the team that much stronger. But i also remember the anger, sadness, heartache and pain that came with us getting to this point. Watching terrible call after horrid play with shitloads of questionable coaching and GM decisions mixed in between. This. Is different. This feels like how the Lions should play.

[@Loganbub]

RIP to your Father I wish he could of seen this past season. One thing I made sure to do was watch every playoff game with my Dad since we never got to have this. I’m 31 now lol had to wait that long to have that moment.

[@RyderDrinkwine]

This is a extremely well done video, I appreciate the effort put into it and it shows that Detroit way. ONE PRIDE! 🦁

[@cip7068]

I'm not a Lions fan but I'm really pulling for their poor fans. My team has been a tragedy too for about 40 years so I understand

[@firstteamfootball]

They were down bad for so long! Who’s your team?

[@RedWing88]

@@firstteamfootballIf I had to guess, he’s probably a Browns fan.

[@auzzo7976]

@@RedWing88at least he has the cavs

[@amistry605]

I as a Bears fan will be rooting for the Lions when they get to the superbowl. It will be well earned... 🐻⬇️

[@firstteamfootball]

Rootin for a division rival?!

[@amistry605]

@firstteamfootball Yeah, I kinda feel bad for them. Even though they're division rivals, I don't hate them as much as the Vikings or the other team from Wisconsin.

[@amistry605]

@firstteamfootball I can empathize with their fans as they've never seen a Superbowl win, or even an appearance (I've seen the Bears lose a Superbowl). The Vikings had 4 chances already. 😂😂😂

[@TB1_EDITS12]

@@amistry605thanks I’m rooting for you guys too

[@amistry605]

@@TB1_EDITS12 🙂👍

[@ScottsTots612]

I need to rant about this. Not only did the zebras pick up the call on the pi against the cowgirls, but they just allowed dez to run onto the field to complain about the call.. that's two missed calls that should've been on the cowgirls, and yet it was 4th and 1 Detroit..

[@firstteamfootball]

Dez running out on the field without any sort of acknowledgment from the refs will forever be puzzling

[@deat3456w]

Makes my blood boil while watching it. After all these years it still hurts lol

[@robertgoodman420]

Bro the BS is real

[@byronjones8990]

Completely correct observation. Yet nobody mentioned Bryant running on the field crying to the refs. That is an instant flag. Not!

[@Outlaw8908]

As a fan of said team… Even I found that puzzling.

[@RedRaptor7]

I’m not even a Lions fan but this was a great in depth video and I watched the whole thing. If you could make a video about the downfall of the Falcons that would be amazing.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you for the feedback! We could cook something up for the falcons

[@stevennash6980]

It’s the lions year next year….im calling it

[@firstteamfootball]

someone come back to this comment in a years time and let us know what happens

[@beaujensen4245]

Jeff Daniel’s bathed in bourbon, you damn right the curse is gone! This team is going to WILL it to happen this year baby! One pride!

[@CummingsDG]

Yessss sir! The day Goff got traded to Detroit, i told my boss that the Lions would be Super Bowl champs in the 2024/2025 season!

[@hacksignify]

I hope so, I think yall got cursed again when San Francisco got their 60 year revenge

[@khylenance]

Houston fan here… i hope its stroud against you guys… im rooting for lion fans… i hope you guys can win it all too… one day… even if its against dallas or houston 🤷‍♂️…

[@LionsOnTheHunt313]

Wow, as a fan since 1990, reliving all those terrible years, tragedies, and f'd up calls was tough to watch... until the end. This new regime is legit and the best the Lions have ever had in place. The league has been put on notice... the LIONS ARE HERE!!! GREAT video guys & much appreciated 💯

[@caseydavisimagery]

Hey Peeps! This is his FIRST VIDEO! Pretty damn good kid. I subscribed to support quality work. No stock footage, no AI voice-over. Well done.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank YOU Casey. This is our first video but we’ve got so much more good stuff coming soon

[@marcpomaville9429]

​@@firstteamfootball this is your first video? Shit it's good. Keep em coming

[@firstteamfootball]

@marcpomaville9429 thank you! Check out the bears one… they keep getting better

[@michaell874]

If they stay healthy, then there is nothing that I can see that will stop the Lions from a rematch against the 49ers in next year’s NFC Championship Game.

[@johnboehmer6683]

The NFC is going to be quite a bit better this year, but so is Detroit. Just sayin', it's gonna take more than just good health for Detroit to make it.

[@michaell874]

@@johnboehmer6683 When has the NFC North/ Central ever had the best division in the NFC?

[@johnboehmer6683]

@@michaell874 Why do you ask? I didn't say anything about that. but it's a good question, got me curious, I might just do some research. I know there were several years in the 90s where Detroit, Green Bay, and Minnesota were all very good or great... Chicago not so much...

[@donaldforest1942]

The only thing holding the Lions back are the NFL and the poor state of referees who fix games !!

[@michaell874]

@@donaldforest1942 There is a pecking order of refereeing bias in the NFL, and the Lions are certainly not at the top of it. Since they moved back to Los Angeles and with retirement of Tom Brady, the Rams are ranked just below the Giants and Steelers and just possibly above the 49ers.

[@justsomeguyoutdoors4274]

"This is just the beginning boys. Next week at home against whoever the fuck wants to come in here." -Our QB Jared Goff

[@titomachismo]

I logged on to my phone after watching on TV just to say... your video quality is so professional and the audio, all though far from bad, just is not equal. You're so close to a high-end production! Thank you for all the hard work. I subscribed

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you for the feedback and the sub Tito! We greatly appreciate the support and will have more content coming soon

[@firstteamfootball]

We got a new mic for the next vid 💯

[@fiveo2plt]

Wow!! Thank you for making this. I've watched the Lions since I was kid in the late 70"s and knew vaguely about the team's history. You've brought it all together here in an informative and entertaining way. Thank you for the memories (good & bad). This must have a tremendous effort to make. This was a blast to watch. I will definitely share your video.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you for sharing it! I’m sure, at times, it was a painful watch for lions fans, but we felt an obligation to bring the full story to the fans. We’re glad you enjoyed it

[@bjam69]

This is a VERY good video and it's hard to watch all the heartbreak we as Lions fans have endured. I think adding the fastest OT loss ever against the Bears on Thanksgiving when they ran back the kickoff (I was there) and adding in the part of the Lions/Cowboys playoff game where Dez removed his helmet ON THE FIELD and didn't get flagged in that game (on top of the picked up OPI flag that got picked up). Great video and I love it!

[@firstteamfootball]

Appreciate all the feedback. We may do a follow up video and add in some of these details. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it

[@bjam69]

@@firstteamfootball I did subscribe and loved the video!! Steven P told me about it and as a long suffering Lion fan, I loved it! I catch tons of flack here in Milwaukee (the heart of Packer country) and even John Kuhn calls me a Packer Fan in a Lion jersey!!! Thank you and looking forward to more content!

[@firstteamfootball]

Steven p is the man. You’re in the right place 👍🔥

[@BlazeOfGlory742]

Not a Lions fan lol but you really put this video together. As much as a diehard birds fan I am I love learning about the history of the franchises. Great job.

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you enjoyed the video! There will be more content like this coming out in the near future for both college and NFL football

[@soonerdad3]

Awesome video, as a lifelong Lions fan this was a walk down memory lane that I would rather forget. However, we finally have all of the pieces in place to finally end the curse once and for all.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! They’ve got some DAWGS

[@Peepbus]

I have to give you HUGE props on your production quality. I came here as a Lions fan who was looking for something to listen to while starting my work day. I didn't expect to find a gem like this so early in the morning. I'm now subbed and I'm looking forward to more of your content. Keep it up and the limit is the stars.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you Andrew! High quality production is what we strive for. We appreciate the sub

[@AceBG27]

Yeah that just about sums it up. What other team loses a playoff game 5 to nothing? You could’ve added the Lions playoff Bowl wins in the early 60’s when the team was good but couldn’t get by the Pack. And maybe any number of record breaking FG losses - Tom Dempsey and Justin Tucker come to find. But that Monday night loss to Rodgers and the Packers just about sums up my 60 years of Lions fandom - that was particularly painful. In real time I turned to my then 13 year old son and said just before that play was run, “we are about to lose this game”. But hey, on the other hand I was one of the 62,000 in attendance when the Lions beat the Matthew Stafford led Rams in last years playoffs to break the drought. What a scene that was - complete strangers hugging and crying with each other. It was unforgettable and quite the payoff for all these years of frustration. The greatest day in Lions history since 1957.

[@ManuelCorrea-jr3ds]

😂😢😅🤔🤭🤫

[@randallsheriff3529]

Tbf that Monday Night game the sack on Rodgers was a facemask not a PF 15 yarder but the smaller 5 yarder ... In the video his hand does graze across the mask which makes it a 5 yarder

[@AceBG27]

@@randallsheriff3529so? What does that have to do with anything I said?

[@randallsheriff3529]

@@AceBG27 just pointing out something that was incorrect is all

[@natebuiltit5158]

Just watched all 3 videos you have posted so far and I gotta say these are amazing videos. You’d think a whole production team put together or like other have said some ESPN or NFL films video. Looking forward to whatever videos you have coming next.

[@firstteamfootball]

Wow. Not even our moms watched all 3 haha But seriously thank you sir. We put a lot of time but mostly a lot of heart into these videos to make them as good as possible. We always wanted someone else to make super high quality football documentary style videos with the right facts and analysis to back it up: so we said why not do it ourselves. Thanks again for supporting us. Any good topics you think we should make a video on ?

[@ukee31]

Great video bro. Lifetime lions fan here and i gotta say you documented all the crazy moments really well. Nice researched video... chefs kiss

[@joelpenigar]

27:40 I love how you marked that Cowboys game as a "win" even though we got shafted on the 2 point conversion and the L column is correct otherwise. Nice touch! #GoLions #DeckerReportedAsEligible

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@Plainswalker-vo3ch]

This is an incredible piece for the lions. I appreciate the deeper dive into the an overview.

[@jasontelmos7936]

I’ve waited a long time for this - this is the year!! Great video, super well done. Watch out 30-for-30, there’s a new game in town 🤯

[@joeytringali3611]

Amazing and super professional video. I was shocked to see you have under 500 subs. you will blow up if you keep making videos like this. Some of the footage you got from back in the day is crazy, shows you truly do your research and know what you’re talking about.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you Joey! The sub means a lot and helps us grow quicker so we can keep putting out videos like this, glad you enjoyed it

[@DiegoOspina86]

You forgot another sad detail: in 1971 the WR Chuck Hughes falling down suddenly in the field, dying minutes later.

[@mr.intensity2685]

On that same day in 1971, Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers was killed in a motorcycle accident. I went to school with a guy who was born the same day.

[@nwedge4]

It’s hard to believe that one team can have so much bad luck for 50 years.

[@WhisperingEntity]

Hello! Its ya boi! Chargers fan here!

[@weightsandreptiles7932]

Usually watch from my TV, so I don’t comment often. But I had to grab my phone to say thanks for this doc, it was painful LOL, but great job man! Excellent quality

[@firstteamfootball]

Of course, glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the comment!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

As a long-suffering Lions fan (50 + years) I'd like to make a few points of order. First, fan dissatisfaction played no role in Billy Ford senior's decision to fire Millen. Billy senior liked Millen and if you were a drinking buddy or someone Ford just liked you got to keep your job no matter how bad you were at it. Long before Millen, Russ Thomas was allowed to run the team into the ground forever as GM because he was one of Ford's drinking pals. It was Billy Ford junior who finally talked the old man into firing Millen, which was itself ironic since hiring that moron was junior's idea in the first place. There is a reason Martha, junior's own mother, shut him out of anything Lions related and turned control over to her daughter Sheila. The second point is, the whole "you'll never win again for 50 years" is largely urban legend. There is no record of Bobby Layne actually saying it and no one around him at the time the Lions traded him recall him making that remark. It grew over time and Bobby just kept quiet about the whole thing, letting it take on a life of it's own. And curse's are a bunch of BS. Wanna know the curse? The curse was Billy senior being allowed to own an NFL franchise. The family bought it for him to shut him up and give him something to do not related to the automobile business. Billy's one contribution to the Ford Motor Company was the Edsel. Nuff said about Billy's skills when it came to making cars. No, when you have a moron running things you don't need a curse to suck. The thing with Billy boy was, the more you told him what he was doing was wrong the more he would do that thing. Call it stubbornness, passive-aggressive behavior, or just plain old stupidity, that is how the man was wired. But let's say I'm wrong. Let's say there was some kind of curse. If there was, it was the curse of JFK. Billy Ford became sole owner of the Lions on November 22, 1963. That date may ring a bell for anyone familiar with the JFK assassination. Now, Kennedy was elected in 1960. William McKinley, the president assassinated before Kennedy was elected in 1900, 60 years earlier. It was 60 years from the time Ford bought the team (1963) to the time the team won more than one playoff game in a season (2003). The Layne curse was 50 years, so it should have ended in 2008. Well, people familiar with Lions history know all about the 0-16 2008 Lions. Hardly an indication things were looking up. So if there was a curse, the math is more favorable to the JFK curse. The lesson? Don't buy a sports team the same day the president gets whacked. To borrow from Sean Connery; here endeth the lesson.

[@GivettheGAS]

Saw that the Lions were marked as a win last year against the Cowboys. Classic. Still, growing up as a Lions fan I cannot say to you how fun these last two years have been. I still remember the crowd popping when we beat the Rams, it was magical.

[@bryanbushroe1948]

I hope other fans can watch this video and see the horrible officiating that has cursed us through the years... On a brighter note I was at the Packers game last year when they turned the corner and could sense something different that day!!

[@ThePhilosotree]

Watched this after the rematch of the year and win in Detroit to start 2024, and man, reliving these have been hard. The first full season I watched growing up was that 0-16, I didn't watch much sports as a kid, and though they've had their moments, watching them has always felt like a trial in patience. This feels different. The Lions feel different, the culture feels different. I truly believe the curse is lifting, if not lifted. SOL is done. Kneecaps everywhere beware. Great video. Painful, but great.

[@Primeshazam]

Great video guys! Let's go Lions!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, stay tuned for more content

[@firstteamfootball]

What video would you want to see next ?

[@Primeshazam]

@@firstteamfootball Hmmmm let's see. When I was a kid, my favs were Walter Payton, Billy Sims, The Steel Curtain, Terry Bradshaw, etc. I know the videos from back then will be a tad grainy but I am always interested in that era.

[@AustinMulkaMusic]

13:30 When even your opponent is saying that it was catch. Unbelievable.

[@johnnyslokes2712]

I'm just grateful that I was there and got to see the Lions win not one but two home playoff games. I felt like I got to watch a part of history and while I hope it's the first of many, theres no saying how many they'll actually win So I'm grateful for that

[@firstteamfootball]

The atmosphere must’ve been crazy….

[@johnnyslokes2712]

@firstteamfootball I feel like that even if they get over the hump and make it the super bowl.. with their history, they'll have to get there at least twice to win one 😂 All jokes aside most weeks, not just the playoffs, that place was rocking every week! We party in the Eastern Market before the games

[@DamonNomad82]

Interesting that the Lions began and ended the 1980s drafting running backs who had both: - Played for college teams in the state of Oklahoma that then belonged to the Big 8 Conference. - Won the Heisman Trophy in their respective junior seasons in college. - Had first names (or nicknames) starting with "B" and last names starting with "S".

[@firstteamfootball]

Wild isn’t it?

[@RickC-sc5ki]

And both ended their careers early😢

[@MrThreewide]

Great video. Maybe a video of a close inside look on how Goff’s career which seemed to be all but over, came to Detroit and begin to succeed.

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you enjoyed it! The Jared Goff resurgence in Detroit needs to be studied

[@christopherscruggs3897]

Love the stat about Bobby Layne and staffords high school that is amazing

[@shadybrain3424]

to say that lions fans were dissapointed losing to the 9ers is like saying someone was upset that they put too much ice in a free coffee.

[@iamhungey12345]

They hadn't won since 1957. Disappointed would have been a bit too generous regarding the Lions fans.

[@davidsteffes2981]

The most toxic curse was WCF becoming the sole owner of the team. He couldn't pick a GM or HC. His meddling in draft picks and free agency was horrific. He died and now his daughter Shelia Ford Hamp is turning it around. How you ask? By surrounding the team with people who know how to win games and by listening to them. Solved it for you.

[@Brunzy1970]

OMG Amazing show! I thank you very much for your hard work, it shows!

[@jsdb321]

This was brilliant! And you have an awesome voice for narration! Ok, just for accuracy sake and no other, two VERY minor details to point out. 1) it's Portsmouth, not Portsmith. 2) the "take the wind" game was not played in Chicago. It was played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign-Urbana (University of Illinois) where the Bears played while they renovated, and ruined, Soldier Field (soon to be their former home stadium). Great stuff, man! You are super talented. Keep it going!

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you John for the helpful feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate the support

[@braveinsanity6843]

Dude this video was amazing. Only 663 subs and you put out quality content like this? That's a damn shame. Have a sub my man. What a roller coaster of emotions. Seeing all of those terrible calls that absolutely screwed us over was heartbreaking and infuriating. Blowing that lead in SF in the second half was such a gut punch. I really like our staff and roster moves and we're only going to be better this upcoming season, though having a more difficult schedule is worrying. Goff gets slept on for some reason but he's literally a top 5 QB.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you for the sub! The lions definitely did some nice things this offseason… we’ll see how they do with a first place schedule

[@brookestevenson7645]

Great video, keep it up. Stay encouraged!

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you! More content coming soon!

[@ryansmukala7618]

I always laugh at that Barry run against the cowboys. One of their guys was walking because he thought Barry was down. I mean there was a pile of cowboys players around him. Barry takes off down the field and the dude turns his head and looks shocked

[@jameslafreniere9458]

Yes a lifetime of waiting. My whole family. My cousin was buried in his lions jersey. Taking part of our new lions is amazing. I'm so excited each game. I dedicate each game to one of my family who's no longer here. GO DETROIT LIONS ALWAYS 🏈❤

[@hacksignify]

I'm a packers fan with a deep affection for the lions. Excellent video, subbed and waiting for more

[@TheFullKanani]

Deep affection for a division rival. What is wrong with you?

[@hacksignify]

@paranoidandroid4270 well, hard to be like... against them when I hadn't seen them ever win anything till last year. I mean I'm in my thirties. They've been shit for so long that them actually getting good was exciting to see. I don't live and breathe cheese, I can look outside some stupid rivalry and root for a team that deserves it

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you for the sub! New video in the next couple of days!

[@RedWing88]

@@TheFullKananiIt’s a mutual respect between divisional rivals.

[@the1nonlyk313]

one thing on the mcdc hire dan reached out to Detroit and told them he wanted the job but other than that amazing video of our pain and so far redemption with dan

[@zehermanator2710]

I really want this lions team to go down in the good side of NFL history with a super bowl win or more and an iconic nickname people will refer to them as when telling it to their children 😭

[@FatalWarGhost]

This is an amazing video. Thank you.

[@austinbean3636]

This video was absolutely awesome.

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you Austin! Glad you enjoyed it

[@gjack4230]

As a Detroiter I'd like to say THANK YOU for this video and the time it took put it together!

[@firstteamfootball]

We put a lot of blood sweat and tears into this. This video was a passion project: we actually are not even monetized for it. But Nobody deserves it more than the Lions, so well worth it. Thanks for watching and enjoying. Let’s hope the curse gets crushed for good this year

[@AdamShultz-pm3qs]

Beautifully done!!! What are great video

[@KungFuJesus187]

Sheila ,Spielman, Campball, and Holmes in 2020 was the answer!

[@firstteamfootball]

Definitely different than prior leadership!

[@johnboehmer6683]

Spielman doesn't get nearly enough credit. Great move on Sheila's part to acknowledge her lack of knowledge, in hiring him and Barry as "consultants." But there's no way we bring on Holmes and Campbell if she's going it alone, or using the carryover patsys in the front office. In Spielman pointing finding those two, the turnaround began.

[@jamespaz4368]

Great video! As a DieHard Packers fan I respect the Lions. I'm glad to see them trending upwards in the right direction.

[@MTN6516]

Some quick snippets from the top of my head on this In 1960, linebacker Joe Schmidt, one of the best to ever do it, won defensive MVP as the lions went 10-2, upsetting the then undefeated Packers on Thanksgiving. Due to playoff rules, however, they could not make it back in, since the aforementioned Packers went 11-1, only loss to detroit That playoff appearance against Washington in the 80's was due to a shortened season thanks to a players strike. We went 4-5, if I'm not mistaken. That playoff run where we looked like we could go places in 1991, the Redskins team we ran into is considered one of the best of all time. Horrific luck again. The team could never find a consistent franchise cornerstone at QB for Sanders. Him leaving was completely justified. He is one of the two greatest running backs of all time because he did what he did with up to 8 defenders in the box sometimes. I will only accept Walter Payton as the other possible greatest The millen firing came 5 years too late with how shit he was. One of my favorite tidbits from the 2008 fuckfest of a season is center Domanic Raiola flipping the bird to heckeling fans Part of Schwartz's downfall was his inability to keep the promise of the playoff run. The lions severely underperformed in that year I will never forgive Patricia for trading Big play Slay The stafford deal honestly worked for both teams. Stafford boosted the Rams to the super bow and got his ring, and we got the draft capital to make shit happen I will still hang my hat on being hyped over the Jahmyr Gibbs pick when it happened. Everyone else thought it was a reach, but this guy would have been a top 5 prospect (not top 5 pick) if it weren't for Bijan. In our loss to the cowboys this past season, refball happened again. LT Taylor Decker declared himself as an eligible reciever on the play to the ref and caught a 2 point conversion. Yet somehow, the ref failed to recognise it and called it an illegal catch. After decker made the effort to inform the refs. Fuck the refs. I honestly feel like the curse isn't over yet. Cambell is one hell of a coach, but his weakness is his overagression on playcalls. It's what cost us the playoff game, and the Dallas game. And the more people say "this is the year everything changes," the more I feel Jordan Love and the Packers will fuck us up. Pessimism is usually best with this team until they show us they can do it

[@cl5619]

You should have included the very odd yet notable first ever championship game in NFL history with the Portsmouth Spartans at Chicago Bears

[@lakerskid2013]

Wasn’t that the one that used horse or cow manure as a part of their mixture for the playing field?

[@Siberian_Chipmunk]

Great video. Thank you for making it!

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be on the look out for more content coming soon...

[@firstteamfootball]

What video have you always wanted to see ?

[@TheMasterBaiter99]

Very well put together vid, you gained a sub. As a raiders fan a vid on their downfall since their last SB appearance would be a good idea for a future vid.

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you liked it and thanks for the sub! The raiders are on our radar 💯

[@chainz983]

Honestly with how often the players on the Lions got screwed over by bs calls from refs, surprised none of em took their helmet off and proceeded to beat the ref announcing the call to a pulp

[@YourGrannysThong]

I think it's funny when people always say the Lions haven't gone to the Super Bowl, which is true, they haven’t. But the Lions are 9th all time in championships. You can't just change the name from the NFL Championship to Super Bowl. They won it all and were champions of the league 3 times. The name has NOTHING to do with it.

[@heath1948]

There are certain teams like Us and the browns where the NFL says oh yes you have them what we're not fully going to recognize them

[@jaybrick8973]

Yeah we had a dynasty in the 50s but everyone seems to think we have always been a bad football team

[@YourGrannysThong]

@jaybrick8973 exactly! They're the most disrespected NFL franchise of all time. Do they deserve all the hate and all the punchlines? At times, yes. Being a diehard Lions fan isn't easy or enjoyable most of the time. But it's my team, and I'm a ride or die fan. When the Lions fail, you see everyone climbing to the highest mountain tops to shout their failures, say their smug remarks, tell their jokes, and so much more. But when the Lions do things correctly and win games, those same people shouting their failures merely whisper their succes, if they even say anything at all. Like I said, it's brutal at times to be a TRUE Lions fan. With that being said, I know I'm not just a bandwagon fan when they are winning. Fans like that make me sick. Actually, I can't even call them fans. No matter how bad it gets, I'll still be here supporting them. When they finally win that Super Bowl, it's going to make all the agony worth it. #ONEPRIDE

[@BigElkification]

The thing about the old nfl championships vs Super Bowl is that that the superbowl was formed before the merger so the nfl championship became the game before the Super Bowl. That was pretty much turned into the nfc championship post merger.

[@ryanm2834]

Lane, said Detroit never win another Championship for 50yrs. The curse is still on

[@steamedclams5689]

You know the interesting thing? In 2021, the Lions tied with the Steelers. The last time the Lions tied with the Steelers? Against Bobby Layne. Since then (including playoffs) the Lions have gone 26-17. So I think the tie with the Steelers was the real end to the curse.

[@TonyStebbins]

I'm of the belief that Layne said 50 years, and that has elapsed, but you still have to build a good team.

[@johnnyslokes2712]

That's what I was thinking early 2000s Lions were just terrible because of who was running the ship

[@user-pk8uf3er7v]

Theirs no such thing as a cursed team. Just bad leadership. Unfortunately some teams have had decades of bad leadership.

[@RickC-sc5ki]

The true curse is blaming a "curse" every time something goes wrong! Cursed by a widely accepted go-to excuse! 3 excuses in fact!! The "curse", the refs and Roger Goodell!! Only losers look for excuses! Winners accept their flaws, identify the problem and work on a SOLUTION to repair that flaw!

[@ItsYoot]

I'm so glad I gave this a watch. As a Lions fan, thank you for the great vid.

[@firstteamfootball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikedehn8654]

As a lifelong Lions fan, the Lions didn't need the referees to lose games. For the first time in my life, the Lions are on the same page. Ownership, management, and players. They've built the team the right way. You build in the trenches, invest in scouting and build through the draft, make good free agent signings, and smart contracts. Sheila Hamp, Chris Spielman, Brad Holmes, and Dan Campbell have righted the ship by finally putting a worthy roster together with talent and character. Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are great coordinators. They will probably end up as head coaches somewhere. Trading Stafford for Goff and all of those draft picks was the first move. It reminded me of the Hershel Walker trade Dallas did so many years ago. Drafting Sewell, St. Brown, McNeil, Rodriguez, Hutchinson, Williams, Gibbs, Campbell, Laporta, Branch, Arnold, Rakestraw... We have a young talented team of superstars. The future is looking great. I gotta wear shades. 😎😎😎

[@The_Walnoys]

Born in Michigan and became a fan after the 2008 Thanksgiving game. My Mom and Dad were never big football people but grew up as Tigers and Red Wings fans. As a kid, the Lions were a team that I would hear friends at school talk about or play tag football being Matthew Stafford or Calvin Johnson. I would always watch the Thanksgiving or Christmas games when I was over at my Grandparents, those moments have made me love the Lions more and eventually started to watch the team regularly in 2020. Crazy to see a team that had the "Patriot Way" fail and restart from the depths of hell. Always loved Campbell since day one even though he didn't win for us the first season (which is normal for a new coach in other sports). Since the 2021 season, I have loved this team more and more as time goes on. Plus, glad I don't have to suffer anymore😅

[@eazymoneyracing]

This might be the best Lions documentary I have ever watched! How is this not on ESPN?

[@firstteamfootball]

Cause first team football made it 🤣🤣🤣

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you though, and glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigballervlogs]

“There’s been a 10 second run off” gives straight PTSD

[@jakeeb2441]

If anyone wasn't watching every Sunday, the bad ref calls were on par with gaslighting. It felt like our team was playing with a different set of rules.

[@firstteamfootball]

the lions had a completely different rulebook to play by. it was egregious at points

[@kathyo6084]

The tide is turning, I can feel it!

[@firstteamfootball]

Maybe so

[@Spiritrider17]

This is the first video I've seen that mentioned Chris spielman as the start of things - good to see it

[@firstteamfootball]

He played a MASSIVE role and doesn’t get enough credit!

[@elfofcourage]

If there was a franchise other than the Raiders that knew a thing about ref ball, its the Lions.

[@firstteamfootball]

What raiders content would you like to see??

[@elfofcourage]

@@firstteamfootball nothing really. Im a Pats fan. So, Tuck Rule? XD

[@elfofcourage]

@@firstteamfootball Also, You forgot about Phil Luckett. The ref who botched the coin toss between Lions and Steelers.

[@firstteamfootball]

That was crazy!

[@NicholasGrombala]

ONE DAMN PRIDE

[@firstteamfootball]

the best, worst team in the NFL

[@spurtz-1597]

amazing video loved this

[@kenthorhagadol9675]

Great video, good history, excellent editing, and an all-around quality permeates this video. Me being a Lions fan has nothing to do with my objective opinion. Great video!

[@firstteamfootball]

Thank you sir. We agree with your impartiality. Stay tuned for other great football content

[@jbspullpit5480]

Lost my dad August 9th of last year. He never got to see them break the curse. He would have been so happy

[@burningglory2373]

The old curse may be lifted. But I fear the power of the perna curse wheel more.

[@fathertadpole10]

So many painful moments, but having been there to experience it, the game against the Falcons was unbelievably rough. All of that happened immediately after a game winning touchdown, imagine the feeling of the stadium as thousands of people go from elated to confused to furious all at the same time.

[@JJ-bd8of]

Had a bit of PTSD reliving all the incompetencies by the refs. But these Lions are not the same ol’ lions of the past. I felt it when Holmes and Campbell took over. And I feel in my bones that this is the year we win the whole damn thing. The curse is no more.

[@Eastside313Antdog]

Yoo great job on this video. Detroit vs everybody .... Westside raised Eastside bread AntDog

[@TheBlackScatPack]

I’m a Rams fan and I always had a soft spot for Detroit. I can’t thank them enough for the Stafford trade. I hope that they can build off the success of last season.