Lions Primary Logo
The Detroit Lions franchise has been in existence for over 90 years. Many may not know that the franchise started out as the Portsmouth Spartans for three years. The franchise has won 4 NFL Championships prior to the AFL/NFL merger. Great players such as Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson have played for this franchise. It goes without saying that this franchise has an extensive logo history.
The Detroit Lions logo is among the most popular and instantly recognizable logos in the history of American football. For the past fifty years, the Detroit Lions have had its brand identifier as a blue lion that is leaping ferociously. It has undergone several modifications throughout the years. The main modifications were in terms of the outline and trim around the blue lion. Lions are used to be a representation of pride, strength, aggression, and glory. The Detroit Lions logo contains the “Honolulu blue” color which has been influenced by the color of the “stunning” waves that hit the coast of Hawaii.
When Detroit Lions fans visit this page, they will also learn about the logo history that existed before their current blue lion logo. The logo history will go back to its 1 and only logo with the “Portsmouth Spartans
2017 - Present
The new logo features only subtle changes, replacing the black outline around the lion with a silver one and sharpening the image. A fierce leaping blue lion still has the white then silver outline. A flowing mane and fangs as facial features are added.
2009 - 2016
The fierce leaping blue lion still has the white then black outline. Now has a flowing mane and fangs as facial features are added.
1970 - 2002
The 1970 logo is the first of the classic blue lion logo, the new blue lion has a white then blue trim. The outline of the lion is standing on his hind legs and has no facial features.
1961 - 1969
In 1961 the logo changed with a new color scheme. A plain white prancing lion with blue outline on a Honolulu Blue and white pinstripe’s backdrop.
1952 - 1960
The original Lions logo featured a red jersey and blue pants football player running with a ferocious brown lion.
1929 - 1933
Wordmark “PORTSMOUTH” in gold with black border and “SPARTANS” in black with a gold border.