By Sunday 
A Passion for the Lions, A Tribute to Her Father
Megan Stefanski’s love for the Detroit Lions isn’t just about football—it’s a lifelong devotion rooted in family, tradition, and an unbreakable spirit. On Thursday night, during the 2025 NFL Honors awards show on FOX, that passion was officially recognized as she was crowned the NFL Fan of the Year.
For Stefanski, a proud resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this honor is more than just a title—it’s a tribute to her late father, Donnie “Yooper Man” Stefanski, who instilled in her a love for the Lions that runs deeper than wins and losses.
A Celebration in New Orleans
The news of her award came just before the Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans, where FOX 2 caught up with Stefanski as she soaked in the moment.
“Right now, we’re on Royal Street,” she said, beaming with excitement. “We’re ready to stop and play tourist—and chill in New Orleans.”
But she wasn’t celebrating alone. Former Fan of the Year Ron “Crackman” Crachiola stood by her side, along with a growing crowd of fellow Lions diehards—including the International Fan of the Year, who had traveled all the way from London.
When asked if they were ready to represent Detroit on one of the biggest weekends in football, the response was immediate:
“Heck yeah!”
A Dedication Like No Other
Stefanski’s journey to becoming the NFL Fan of the Year isn’t just about cheering from the stands. It’s about carrying on her father’s legacy.
Donnie “Yooper Man” Stefanski was a legendary Lions fan in his own right. Despite living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he drove to every single home game, a commitment he kept until he passed away in 2019.
Megan has since picked up where he left off. Whether it’s a five-hour drive to Ford Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff or traveling across the country to support the Lions on the road, she never misses a game.
But her dedication extends beyond football. Over the past year, Stefanski has helped raise over $30,000 for charity, bringing together Lions fans from across Michigan to give back to their communities.
An Honor That Still Feels Surreal
When asked about receiving the NFL Fan of the Year award, Stefanski admitted that the reality still hadn’t fully sunk in.
“It’s an honor to represent Detroit, the Upper Peninsula, the entire state of Michigan. It’s surreal,” she said. “I still don’t believe it.”
For her longtime friend Ron Crachiola, there was never any doubt that she was deserving of the recognition.
“It’s special,” he said. “She told me yesterday. We heard about this and I was so happy for her, and I know her dad is smiling. It’s a huge honor.”
More Than Just a Game
For Megan Stefanski, being a Lions fan is about more than football. It’s about family, community, and an unshakable bond that spans generations. Whether cheering from the stands or making a difference off the field, she embodies what it means to be a true fan.
And as she celebrates this incredible honor, one thing is certain: Donnie “Yooper Man” Stefanski would be proud.