Former Detroit Lions players and celebrity fans show out for first playoff game at Ford Field
The Detroit Lions rolled out the red carpet over the ice-covered walkways leading up to Ford Field for one of the biggest games in franchise history.
Several franchise icons and celebrities who are Lions fans showed out for the Lions' first home playoff game in 30 years against the Los Angeles Rams. The stars joined the sold-out crowd at Ford Field to witness the Lions in the playoff for the first time in seven seasons, trying to get their first postseason win since Jan. 5, 1992.
Here is an updated list of former players and celebrities in attendance tonight in Detroit.
Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson is in the building tonight rocking a Honolulu Blue Lions starter jacket. The Hall-of-Fame receiver made it clear during the week that his allegiances lie with the Lions, not his former quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will be under center for the Rams. Johnson played in the postseason two times in Detroit (2011, 2014) before retiring in 2016 at the age of 30.
👋 @calvinjohnsonjr pic.twitter.com/KsAHa53Ua2
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
Barry Sanders
Johnson was on the sidelines along with another franchise legend, Barry Sanders. The Hall-of-Fame running back is back in the building to watch the Lions attempt to win their first playoff game since he was in the backfield 32 years ago.
Sanders ran for 69 yards and one touchdown in the Lions' last playoff win. His legendary, though short, career with Detroit has been immortalized as the face of the last time the Lions were as successful as this season. Sanders has been a vocal supporter of Dan Campbell and his group, throughout the season.
🐐 in the 🏠 @BarrySanders | #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/Dvs0iSCKUA
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
Eminem & Big Sean
Two of the biggest musical artists from Detroit, Eminem and Big Sean, were also on the pregame sidelines. Eminem has been a very vocal Lions fan online and helped narrate a pregame hype video for the Lions that was posted before kickoff. Big Sean, also a fervent Detroit sports fan, has spent the last few years working as the creative director of innovation for the Detroit Pistons.
Stand up!@Eminem pic.twitter.com/urAuufR823
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
ALL. DAY. @BigSean pic.twitter.com/B8dbcHg85J
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
The two rappers made sure to get their pictures taken with Johnson and Sanders before the game, creating a memorable photo between some Detroit music icons and sports stars.
Legendary pic.twitter.com/vmNf3ANLG2
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
Chad Smith
Smith, the drummer from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, voiced a video for the Detroit Lions' social media pages in the hours before the game. Smith, while wearing a No. 23 blue Lions jersey and backward Lions hat, delivered a brief inspirational message of "Go Lions" in the short video posted online.
Smith grew up in the Metro Detroit area after moving from Minnesota. He performed along with the Lions drumline before the game.
🥁 @RHCPchad checking in from @fordfield 🥁 pic.twitter.com/KQjmy6z4ck
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
Ninja
Popular Twitch streamer Tyler Blevins, also known by his online gamertag "Ninja," was also in attendance on the sidelines at Ford Field. Blevins, who is known for dying his hair different colors, had a Honolulu Blue haircut, just like star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The two linked up for a picture during pregame warmups to show off the smurf-like haircut, while Blevins was wearing a St. Brown jersey over a sweatshirt.
Lets get it @ninja 🤟 pic.twitter.com/ixj5FVY1mb
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 14, 2024
Sam Richardson
Richardson, one of the co-writers and stars of the hit show "Detroiters" along with Tim Robinson, was on the sidelines with a blue St. Brown jersey and Lions hat. Richardson, a Detroit native, has been to multiple Lions games this year.
Got a Detroiter in the house!@SamRichardson pic.twitter.com/n3HDMQG8OB
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions playoff game brings out former stars, celebrities