Dear Detroit,
Whatupdoe! We stand on the cusp of our first Super Bowl appearance! It’s an exciting and compelling narrative that has gripped the world of sports, captivating both diehard and casual fans alike. The world has joined us in celebrating the unyielding fortitude, remarkable resilience, and undeniable grit of the Detroit Lions — our Detroit Lions. This moment is not just a testament to the team’s current achievements but also a reflection of the rich legacy shaped by the extraordinary talents who have donned the team’s colors, and the people who have put the city on their back every day, both literally and figuratively.
Consider the incredible legends who have graced our team’s history. Billy Sims, with his electrifying agility and indomitable spirit, led us to two playoffs, setting a standard of excellence that reverberated through the foundations of our team during the eighties. Calvin Johnson (Megatron) — one of the greatest wide receivers ever — a true embodiment of dedication and skillful hands, left an indelible mark with his extraordinary prowess on the field.
Then there’s the GOAT, Barry Sanders, whose name alone conjures images of near-impossible feats of athleticism, agility, and grace. A player who not only broke records but shattered expectations, redefining the role of a running back with every carry and yard rushed. His legacy transcends time and space, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike.
Let’s not forget the many players whose contributions, though perhaps less heralded, were no less vital to the fabric of our team’s history. Each player, in their unique way, adding their own cinder block to the foundation that is the Detroit Lions’ legacy — a legacy that includes years of sorrow for diehard fans and years of hopefulness that the next season would be better than the last.
As we celebrate these iconic moments, let’s also turn our eyes to the future, to the promise of new legends in the making, and to the enduring spirit of a team that continues to rise, undeterred, against all challenges. I mean, we are one game away from the Super Bowl!
In solidarity with the unbreakable spirit of Detroit, it’s truly a moment of awe as we celebrate the iconic figures who have donned the Detroit Lions jersey. Their impact echoes the legendary legacy of the World Champion Detroit Pistons, the triumphs of the Stanley Cup-winning Detroit Red Wings, and the World Series-winning Detroit Tigers, each milestone a testament to the spirit of our city’s sports heritage.
Now that the sports world’s gaze is fixed upon us, largely due to the exemplary leadership of Dan Campbell and Jared Goff, and the standout performances of players like Gibbs, Montgomery, Hutchinson, Laporta, St.Brown, Decker and Ragnow. This veteran class and new class of Lions, clad in the emblematic Honolulu blue, have not just carried the team but indeed shouldered the very image of Detroit itself. They have done us proud on and off the field.
Public perception, as shaped by flawed and misguided media narratives like those from Stephen A. Smith on ESPN, highlights the resurgence of our city through the lens of the Lions’ success. Yet, it’s important to remember that the narrative is much broader and more authentically Detroit than what’s broadcasted. The champions of Detroit are not just those in jerseys or on highlight reels. They are you — the real, authentic Detroiters: Eastside Detroiters, Westside Detroiters, Southwest Detroiters, Loving Detroiters, Fighting Detroiters, Working-class Detroiters, Entertainment Detroiters, and Business Owner Detroiters who hustle, build, and innovate, in the frigid cold of winter through the sweltering heat of summer.
To the world, this moment may signify a sports franchise and city’s revival. However, to us, it means something profoundly different: it’s a recognition of Detroit’s inherent resilience, grit, and determination, qualities that extend far beyond the realm of sports, qualities that have been there from day one. It’s about you, the people of Detroit. In fact, it’s from you that the Lions get their personality and have built their culture.
When I reflect on my beloved hometown, I’m drawn to its vibrant culture and enduring spirit. From the birth of techno to the comfort of Vernors Ginger Ale, a staple in Detroit households, I recall the pride and air in every bag of Better Made Chips, a symbol of our city’s mindset that we truly are better made. Our musical heritage, led by Motown legends like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and the Temptations, gave America its heartbeat, and our Hip Hop artists, whose unique sound is giving the streets its heartbeat.
Our city’s narrative includes the playful and not so playful rivalry between east and west sides, the unique fashion statements from each neighborhood, and the bittersweet gatherings as we mourn and celebrate lives lost too soon. It’s in the solidarity found at gas stations, corner stores, and cabarets, where our Detroit sense of style, often mocked, is secretly admired.
As the Lions surge toward the Super Bowl, it’s heartwarming to see national and dare I say it — global support. When strangers in airports compliment my D hat, I now have to wonder if they’re acknowledging the Lions’ success or the deeper, intrinsic qualities that define us as Detroiters. This moment transcends a game; it’s about the indomitable spirit of our people.
So, as we welcome the world to join our celebration, let’s remember that Detroit is more than just its sports teams. It’s a city of remarkable, resilient people, each with their own story of triumph and perseverance. In the D, we say we are all celebrities, not because of fame and fortune, but because we have always had to find ways to celebrate us and the city we come from.
In closing, I want to say this: I love you, Detroit. My city, my hometown, my heritage. You are the place where history and culture intertwine, a living, breathing testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. In the D, Three Thirteen is more than an area code; it’s a symbol of our enduring presence and influence, a way of life and, most importantly, Detroit’s brand name.
Thank you, Detroit, for being more than just a place on a map, more than a crime statistic, more than that city that sits across from Canada, more than a place for people to feel sorry for. You’re a city of style, tough character and deep soul, an example of unbroken hope and my source of inspiration. You’re a city where Gators, Mink coats, Buffs, Bossing up, Jitting, slick talk, love, and realness intermingle to make up an incredible recipe of authenticity making Detroit one of the best cities to be from, live in, and claim!
With heartfelt gratitude and enduring pride,
Detroit’s Native Son
Shaka Senghor
