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Jason Colthorp: Where a Detroit Lions championship would rank among my top sports moments

Lions 3 wins away from first title in my lifetime

Images from some of Detroit's recent championships. (Getty Images)

DETROIT – I know. I know. And you can relax. Nowhere in this article will I use the two-word term describing the NFL’s final game of the season, nor will I predict or guarantee any such outcome.

But just to be safe: I am running outside right now to turn around three times and spit while knocking on every piece of wood along the way.

OK, I’m back.

Lately, I’ve let myself wonder what it would be like if my beloved football team won it all. Would it be the same or better than when our other teams won the title? It’s an easy answer for me and that’s -- OH, YEAH-UH!

It made me think about which ones have meant the most to me in my lifetime, so here are my top 4. (Not 4 because I’m a company man, but because I’m hoping to one day make this a top 5.)

4. Detroit Pistons (2004)

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 15: Ben Wallace #3 (C) of the Detroit Pistons holds up the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy as he celebrates with teammatesafter defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 100-87 in game five of the 2004 NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Sometimes when you think your team has no shot and then pulls off an upset for the ages, it is so much sweeter. That’s what happened with the lunchbox crew that came together as a unit and outworked Kobe and Shaq and their cast of hangers-on trying to sneak a championship. I’m looking at you, Karl Malone. Somewhere, Isiah Thomas was laughing when Malone left the Palace empty-handed following Game 5.

3. Detroit Tigers (1984)

(Original Caption) USA: Sparky Anderson, Detroit Tigers, manager and Jim Campbell, enjoy the thrill of victory under a shower of Champagne in the lockerroom of the Detroit Tigers after their win over the San Diego Padres in the World Series. (Getty Images)

This was my first experience with one of my hometown teams winning a championship. I grew up going to old Tiger Stadium a couple times a year with my dad and grandparents, so the Tigers were my first love.

I had just about every baseball card for the team and would read the sports page every day to check the stats and standings. One of my best friends growing up loved the Atlanta Braves, and every day I would brag about how hot the Tigers were. “35-5! How did Dale Murphy do last night?”

That, plus the fact they’ve never been able to win since, means the Roar of ’84 has a special spot in my heart.

2. Detroit Pistons (1989)

Detroit Pistons team owner Bill Davidson holds the Larry O'Brien Trophy surrounded by his players following their NBA championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in game 4 in Inglewood, Ca., June 13, 1989. From left are, Rick Mahorn, Davidson, John Salley, and Isiah Thomas (11). Detroit completed the fifth sweep in NBA Finals history with their 105-97 victory. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac) (The Associated Press)

The Bad Boys might be my favorite sports team of all time. They may have started “Detroit vs. Everybody” with the way the entire league hated the way they played.

I lived and died with these guys for several seasons before they finally beat the Lakers to win their first NBA championship. If you endure heartaches as deep as Bird stealing the ball, Laimbeer’s phantom foul, and refs letting fans run on the court before Game 7 was over, well, finally winning is not just cathartic-- it’s euphoric.

The parade and another championship the next season made it all even sweeter.

1. Detroit Red Wings (1997)

1997 Season: Red Wing captain Steve Yzerman leads teammates around the ice with the Stanley Cup. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The Wings' run began a lot like the Pistons' -- having to get through a hated rival to finally win the greatest trophy in sports. The Wings also hadn’t won a championship in 42 years, which sounds a lot like the Lions, who are currently amid a 68-year drought. They, too, endured heartbreak, having reached the finals only to lose, and then falling to the Avalanche -- who became instant enemies -- the following season.

But finally seeing one of our great sports heroes in Steve Yzerman hoist the Cup after getting sweet revenge against Colorado and knocking them off in the playoffs was pure storybook stuff.

Just reminiscing on all those titles-- and the others that came with them-- gets me fired up all over again. And how many times have we had this conversation with friends that ends with one of you saying, “Just imagine what it would be like if the Lions ever won.”

I honestly can’t wrap my head around what this city would be like if its favorite team won a title for the first time since most of our parents or grandparents were kids. My wife asked me awhile back if I’d cry if the Lions did win it, and my response was immediate: “Like a baby.”

In the meantime, I’m just going to enjoy this ride, where my team -- which has been the league’s doormat for so many years -- is now one of the best and looks like they will be for years to come.


About the Author
Jason Colthorp headshot

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.