By Blessing 
Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and for Detroit Lions fans, it’s a bittersweet day. The team has made great strides in recent years, transforming into a legitimate contender. Yet, the elusive Super Bowl appearance remains out of reach. Despite their progress, heartbreak still lingers.
A recent poll revealed that 57 percent of Lions fans claim they won’t even watch this year’s Super Bowl. The lack of enthusiasm may partly stem from the matchup between the Chiefs and Eagles, but there’s also lingering disappointment from Detroit’s early playoff exit.
So the big question remains: When will this drought end? When will Lions fans get to experience the thrill of preparing for their first Super Bowl appearance in the modern era?
The signs of progress are undeniable. The Lions set franchise records this season with 15 wins—three more than they had ever achieved in a single year. For the first time in team history, they’ve posted back-to-back seasons with double-digit victories. In just two years, they’ve made more playoff appearances (four) and won more playoff games (two) than in the previous 22 years combined.
Simply put, they’re getting closer.
But will they reach the Super Bowl within the next three years? Personally, I believe the answer is yes. It may feel like their best chances were in the last two seasons, especially with a 2023 NFC Championship appearance and earning the top NFC seed in 2024. The road ahead looks more challenging as division rivals heat up and teams like the Washington Commanders emerge as serious threats. Additionally, Detroit faces a transitional period with a coaching overhaul.
Even with these hurdles, the Lions are in a great position. Their roster is stacked with talent, and that core will remain intact for years to come. The free agent list for 2024 includes only a handful of regular contributors. General Manager Brad Holmes has plenty of cap space to work with and a strong collection of draft picks. With arguably the best offensive roster in football, Detroit has the firepower to compete at the highest level.
It all comes down to breaking through that final barrier. Given how close they’ve already come, there’s no reason to believe they can’t get there in the next three seasons. So my answer remains: Yes, the Lions will reach the Super Bowl soon.