Sports

Detroit Lions 0-16 Record Makes NFL History

by Jon Azpiri | December 28, 2008 at 03:21 pm

2100 views | 4 Recommendations | 7 comments

The Detroit Lions became the first team in NFL history to have a winless 0-16 record after losing to the Green Bay Packers, 31-21.

The Lions didn't completely roll over. After falling behind 24-14 at halftime, Lions running back Kevin Smith scored a late touchdown to narrow the Packer's lead to 24-21. That momentum was soon lost as the Packers scored on a 71-yard pass play to Donald Driver.

The last team to go winless for a full season was the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who went 0-14. Since then, the NFL has expanded their schedule to 16 games. In 1982, the Baltimore Colts went 0-8-1 during a strike-shortened season.

Since the end of Second World war, the only other winless NFL team was the 1960 Dallas Cowboys, who were 0-11-1.

While much has been made of the fact that the Lions have gone 0-16, their record over the last two seasons is even more pathetic. Going back to last season, the Lions have lost 23 of their last 24 games.

Some have suggested that the Lions going 0-16 record may be a marketing opportunity.

But people are bitter in Detroit, and it has become fashionable and cool to hate on the Lions with more than a bag on your head.

A guy named Johnny King has a Web site called DetroitLions0and16, where he's selling 0-16 season shirts with a drawing of a lion sprawled out on the floor.

"We've sold about 300 shirts and when they do lose it's going to be crazy," said King, who says he was a Lions season ticket holder for 20 years and was ready to make a new statement with the shirts.

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progolfer622 (not verified)

at 18:46 on December 29th, 2008

It's ok. They won the Negative Super Bowl.

158

at 10:52 on December 30th, 2008

The Lions players and coaches will remember this year forever.

notmargaret

at 12:59 on December 30th, 2008

Emilio Lizardo

at 12:59 on December 30th, 2008

William Clay Ford Promotes Tom Lewand to Team President and Martin Mayhew to General Manager; Rod Marinelli Relieved of Duties as Head Coach
December 29, 2008

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today:

The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President.
The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager.
Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.

The following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed.

MichiganMoves

at 06:43 on December 31st, 2008

Ford Field is an awesome facility...We need a team worthy of it.

MichiganMoves has contributed a photo to this story.

Doug Johnson (not verified)

at 08:24 on January 13th, 2009

Buy a Ford and support a losing football team for life!
For over a 100 years Detroiters have been taking pride in building Ford vehicles and are responsible for the automotive industry. As generations pass son’s replace fathers on the production line and are willing to give blood, sweat and tears for their jobs. We do it because of pride! http://detroitlionsrebuildingsince1957.com/
http://detroitlionsrebuildingsince1957.com/