The Motor City Muscle: Rediscovering the Dark Past of the Detroit Lions’ Uniforms

The Detroit Lions unveiled their new uniforms, which pay homage to the team’s past, particularly during the Barry Sanders era. The updated uniforms feature subtle changes, with the standout being a black jersey named “Motor City Muscle.” This design brings back memories of the Lions’ look from 2004-2007, with a twist that includes the team’s signature Honolulu Blue on the jersey numbers and helmets.

Leading up to the unveiling, fans expressed concerns on social media about the return of the black jerseys. Some felt that the dark tops dimmed the team’s unique color scheme, while others associated them with a period of underperformance during the Matt Millen era. However, one person who was a fan of the black jerseys was head coach Dan Campbell, who wore them when playing as a tight end for the Lions.

It was revealed that Campbell had actually requested the return of the black jerseys shortly after becoming head coach in 2021. Lions team president Rod Wood jokingly made a deal with Campbell, saying that they could bring back