From Underdogs to Primetime Stars: How the Detroit Lions Played Their Way into Bigger National Television Windows
It wasn’t long ago that the Detroit Lions were the NFL’s perennial punchline—a team associated more with Thanksgiving Day losses than playoff appearances. But something has shifted, and it’s not just on the field. According to one NFL executive, the Detroit Lions have played their way into bigger national television windows, a move that reflects the team’s incredible rise from obscurity to spotlight in just a few seasons.
The question now isn’t why the Lions are getting more national exposure—it’s how far they can go with it. And if you’re a fan of football, redemption stories, or sheer grit, this Detroit story is one to watch.
The NFL’s Media Machine and What It Means
The NFL schedule isn’t just a lineup of games—it’s a strategic media product. National television windows are prime-time spots allocated to matchups that draw the most eyeballs. These include Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and nationally broadcast games on Thursday and select Saturdays later in the season. These slots are usually reserved for traditional powerhouses—teams like the Cowboys, Chiefs, Packers, and 49ers.
For years, the Lions were largely left out of this premium media spotlight, aside from their fixed Thanksgiving slot. But that’s changing.
According to NFL VP of Broadcast Planning Mike North, Detroit’s resurgence has forced the league to reconsider their national appeal. “The Lions are no longer just a team we have to schedule—they’re a team we want to showcase,” he told reporters. “They’ve earned that right.”
The Grit-Fueled Ascent
So how did the Lions go from 3-13-1 in 2021 to a team the NFL is excited to put on national television?
1. Dan Campbell’s Culture Shift
Dan Campbell, hired as head coach in 2021, initially made headlines for his eccentric quotes (“We’re going to bite a kneecap off”). But behind the soundbites is a no-nonsense leader who’s transformed the team’s culture. Players believe in him. Fans rally behind him. And perhaps most importantly—his team wins.
2. Jared Goff’s Redemption Arc
Many thought Jared Goff’s career had peaked in Los Angeles. But after being included in the Matthew Stafford trade, Goff has quietly and confidently reinvented himself in Detroit. With a strong offensive line and rising stars at the skill positions, Goff is leading one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
3. Explosive Young Talent
From Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jahmyr Gibbs and Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions have drafted brilliantly. Their roster is young, fast, and exciting. These are the kinds of players that make for compelling TV—the kind that turn casual viewers into fans.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In 2023, the Lions ended the regular season with a 12-5 record and clinched the NFC North for the first time since the division was formed in 2002. Their wild-card playoff win over the Rams drew over 35 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched NFL games of the year.
Then came the Divisional Round, where they defeated the Buccaneers in another high-rating showdown. By the time they faced the 49ers in the NFC Championship game, Detroit had become must-see TV.
The Lions weren’t just winning—they were playing exciting, edge-of-your-seat football.
What Bigger National TV Windows Mean for Detroit
1. A Spotlight on the Franchise
This isn’t just about more screen time—it’s about rebranding. For decades, the Lions were viewed as a franchise stuck in neutral. Now, they’re becoming a flagship for what a rebuild done right can look like.
More exposure means more merchandise sales, a growing national fanbase, and increased revenue. It also helps with future free agent signings; players want to be seen. National television brings recognition, and recognition brings respect.
2. Stronger Narrative Arcs
NFL media thrives on storylines. The Lions offer one of the best: underdogs turned contenders, led by a misfit coach and a resurgent quarterback. Each nationally televised game becomes a new chapter in this Cinderella story. And viewers—especially those tired of watching the same old teams in primetime—are here for it.
3. Pressure and Opportunity
There’s no denying the increased stakes. National television means heightened scrutiny. Every mistake, every questionable call, every coaching decision gets amplified. But that’s also what makes great teams shine.
The Lions now have a chance to show not just that they can win, but that they can do it under the bright lights.
2025 Schedule Teasers: What to Expect
While the full 2025 NFL schedule has yet to be revealed at the time of writing, industry insiders expect the Lions to be featured in at least four primetime games—up from just two in 2023 (excluding Thanksgiving). This could include:
- A Sunday Night Football matchup against a top NFC rival like the 49ers or Eagles.
- A Monday Night Football appearance, possibly against the Dallas Cowboys, which would bring massive ratings.
- A Thursday night showdown with an AFC powerhouse like the Chiefs or Bengals.
- A special holiday game—Christmas or even Black Friday—where Detroit’s TV presence expands beyond the usual Turkey Day staple.
And yes, Thanksgiving at Ford Field is still locked in, but this time with a buzz that hasn’t existed in decades.
Social Media Buzz: Lions Go Viral
The Lions are winning on the field and online. From Dan Campbell memes to Amon-Ra St. Brown’s fiery postgame interviews, Detroit’s social media presence is booming.
The team’s official TikTok and Instagram accounts are seeing explosive growth. Fan pages are multiplying. NFL social channels are featuring more Lions content than ever.
A team once mocked for its obscurity is now being celebrated for its authenticity.
A Win for the NFC North—and the League
Detroit’s rise isn’t just good for Lions fans—it’s good for the league. For years, the NFC North has been dominated by the Packers, with occasional Bears and Vikings surges. The Lions being competitive (and entertaining) creates new rivalries, fresh narratives, and regional heat.
Imagine a Sunday night battle at Lambeau with division implications and a Goff-vs-Love quarterback duel. Or a Thanksgiving game with playoff positioning on the line. These are the matchups that drive ratings, spark debates, and captivate audiences.
The Lions are no longer dragging the division—they’re helping lead it.
What’s Next for the Lions?
As Detroit enters the 2025 season, expectations are no longer modest. They’re high. They’re real. And they’re justified.
Will Goff continue his strong play? Can rookies from the 2024 draft class contribute immediately? Will Dan Campbell’s gritty style continue to translate to wins?
One thing is certain: the league—and the country—will be watching.
Final Thoughts: Detroit Earned This
In the world of sports, media attention is rarely given. It’s earned. The Detroit Lions have earned it. Through perseverance, smart roster moves, strong coaching, and a passionate fanbase, they’ve turned years of mediocrity into a movement.
The NFL has taken notice. And now, the Lions are set to roar in primetime.
