Fans of the Detroit Lions once again failed to make FanSided’s Fandom 250 ranking, a list of the top fan bases spanning across all forms of entertainment.
Prior to this season, the Detroit Lions experienced quite a bit of success under former head coach Jim Caldwell. They posted winning records in three of their four seasons under Caldwell, including two playoff berths.
Yet, despite that success, the Lions’ fan base was never able to crack FanSided’s annual Fandom 250, a ranking of the top fan bases spanning across all forms of entertainment. So it comes as no real surprise, especially following the results of this season in the Motor City, that Detroit failed to make the Fandom 250 ranking for the third year in a row.
FanSided’s subjective ranking of the top 250 fandoms across entertainment is determined by five different factors and a set score for each. They include legacy (10 points), fansmanship (25 points), passion (25 points), buzz (25 points) and magnitude (15 points).
FanSided split their staff into committees, who studied each fandom and voted on a monthly basis. Those numbers were tallied and the overall score determined the Fandom 250. Unfortunately, the Lions’ fandom failed to make the cut.
But there were a total of 19 NFL teams that did. They include all of the Lions NFC North divisional rivals in the Green Bay Packers (18th overall), the Chicago Bears (96th) and the Minnesota Vikings (56th).
Unfortunately for the Lions, it appears their fan base will not get the credit they deserve until Detroit is able to find sustained success on the field. Particularly in the playoffs, where the team hasn’t won a game since 1992.
For diehard fans of the Detroit Lions, these kinds of rankings mean very little. They love the Pride and will continue to support their team regardless of record or the lack of accolades. Even FanSided admits, this subjective list is done for fun and is always very personal. The important thing is that fans find something they are passionate about and support it as best they can.
You can see the entire FandSided Fandom 250 ranking for 2018 by clicking here.