30 Facts About Steelers Vs. Lions

Steelers vs. Lions: A Historic Rivalry

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions have a storied history in the NFL. Their matchups have been filled with memorable moments, thrilling plays, and intense competition. Here are some fascinating facts about this classic rivalry.

1. The first game between the Steelers and Lions took place on October 29, 1934. The Lions won that game 40-7.

2. The Steelers and Lions have faced each other 34 times in the regular season. The Steelers lead the series with 17 wins, 14 losses, and 3 ties.

3. The most recent game between these two teams was on November 14, 2021, which ended in a 16-16 tie. This was the first tie game for both teams since the NFL implemented the current overtime rules in 1974.

Memorable Moments

Throughout their history, the Steelers and Lions have had some unforgettable moments that fans still talk about today.

4. On Thanksgiving Day in 1998, the Lions defeated the Steelers 19-16 in overtime. This game is infamous for the controversial coin toss where Steelers' Jerome Bettis called "tails," but the referee heard "heads."

5. In 1957, the Lions beat the Steelers 45-27 in a game where Detroit's Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne threw for 4 touchdowns.

6. The Steelers' largest margin of victory against the Lions came on November 14, 2013, when they won 37-27.

Legendary Players

Both teams have had their share of legendary players who have left a lasting impact on the game.

7. Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, played his entire career with the Lions from 1989 to 1998. He rushed for over 15,000 yards and scored 99 touchdowns.

8. "Mean" Joe Greene, a cornerstone of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense, played from 1969 to 1981. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and 4-time Super Bowl champion.

9. Calvin Johnson, also known as "Megatron," was a dominant wide receiver for the Lions from 2007 to 2015. He holds the NFL record for most receiving yards in a single season with 1,964 yards in 2012.

Coaching Legends

Coaches have played a significant role in shaping the success of both franchises.

10. Chuck Noll, who coached the Steelers from 1969 to 1991, led the team to four Super Bowl victories. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

11. Buddy Parker, who coached the Lions from 1951 to 1956, led the team to two NFL Championships in 1952 and 1953.

12. Bill Cowher, another legendary Steelers coach, led the team from 1992 to 2006. He won Super Bowl XL in 2006 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Iconic Stadiums

The venues where these teams play have their own rich histories.

13. The Steelers have called Heinz Field home since 2001. The stadium is known for its passionate fans and the "Terrible Towel" tradition.

14. The Lions play at Ford Field, which opened in 2002. The stadium features a unique design that incorporates a former warehouse.

15. Before moving to Ford Field, the Lions played at the Pontiac Silverdome from 1975 to 2001. The Silverdome hosted Super Bowl XVI in 1982.

Unique Traditions

Both teams have unique traditions that set them apart from other NFL franchises.

16. The Steelers' "Terrible Towel" was created by broadcaster Myron Cope in 1975. It has become a symbol of team spirit and is waved by fans at games.

17. The Lions have played a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934. This tradition started as a way to attract more fans to their games.

18. The Steelers' fight song, "Here We Go," is played at every home game and has become an anthem for fans.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones over the years.

19. The Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, the most in NFL history, tied with the New England Patriots.

20. The Lions have won four NFL Championships, with their last title coming in 1957.

21. The Steelers have had 23 players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

22. The Lions have had 18 players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Fan Base and Culture

The fan bases of both teams are known for their loyalty and passion.

23. Steelers fans, known as the "Steeler Nation," are famous for traveling in large numbers to away games, often making it feel like a home game for the team.

24. Lions fans, despite the team's struggles in recent years, remain dedicated and hopeful for a return to glory.

25. The Steelers have one of the largest fan bases in the NFL, with fans all over the world.

Rivalries and Divisional Battles

Both teams have fierce rivalries within their divisions that add to the excitement of their seasons.

26. The Steelers' biggest rivalries are with the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns. These matchups are always highly anticipated and often have playoff implications.

27. The Lions' biggest rivalries are with the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. These games are always intense and have a long history.

28. The Steelers and Lions have only met once in the playoffs, in the 1952 NFL Playoff Bowl, where the Lions won 17-10.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both teams have promising futures with young talent and strong leadership.

29. The Steelers have a young quarterback in Kenny Pickett, who was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He is seen as the future of the franchise.

30. The Lions have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. They are building a strong foundation for future success.

The Final Whistle

Steelers vs. Lions has given us some unforgettable moments. From record-breaking plays to intense rivalries, this matchup never disappoints. The Steelers' rich history and the Lions' underdog spirit make every game a must-watch. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there's always something new to learn and enjoy about these teams.

Remember, football isn't just about the stats or the scores. It's about the passion, the dedication, and the stories behind each game. So next time you watch the Steelers take on the Lions, keep these facts in mind. They add depth to the game and make the experience even more exciting.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the history and fun facts of Steelers vs. Lions. Keep cheering, keep supporting, and most importantly, keep loving the game.