History of Detroit Lions in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2026

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team located in Detroit. They are part of the National Football League (NFL) and compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Their home games take place at Ford Field, situated in Downtown Detroit.

2006: NBC airs Sunday night games

In 2006, NBC began airing Sunday night games, a milestone that the Detroit Lions would later be a part of in 2011 as the last NFC team to participate.

October 26, 2008: First Blackout in Ford Field History

On October 26, 2008, the first blackout in the then seven-year history of Ford Field occurred during a game against the Washington Redskins due to insufficient ticket sales.

2009: Local Broadcast Blackouts and Losing Streak

In 2009, the Lions' 2-14 season, coupled with the Great Recession in Michigan, led to local broadcast blackouts, including the second home game against the Redskins and the comeback victory over the Cleveland Browns.

2010: One Blackout against the Redskins

In 2010, the Lions had only one blackout, which occurred during a game against the Redskins, which the Lions won 37-25.

2011: Lions play on Sunday Night Football

In 2011, the Lions became the last NFC team to play on NBC's Sunday Night Football since the network began airing Sunday night games in 2006.

2014: NFL's "cross flex" broadcast rules instituted

In 2014, the NFL instituted "cross flex" broadcast rules, allowing any Lions game slated to air on Fox to be moved to CBS.

2015: NFL Suspends Blackout Policies

In 2015, the NFL suspended its blackout policies, meaning that all Lions games would be shown on local TV, regardless of tickets sold.

June 13, 2016: Lions Announce Cheerleading Squad

On June 13, 2016, the Lions announced the addition of a cheerleading squad to the organization, marking the first time in over 40 years the team had an official cheerleading squad. Rebecca Girard-Smoker was named as the coach of the squad.