Successful new Detroit Lions regime could have a long-lasting effect

Second generation NFL ownership success

There are plenty of skeptics in the media and among the fan base that don’t believe Sheila Ford Hamp can overcome her family heritage of making every wrong move possible while running this franchise.

Yet there is also something to be said about second-generation owners in the NFL.

Until the last decade, the nomadic Chicago, then St. Louis, before settling in Arizona, Cardinals had suffered an even bleaker history than the Detroit Lions. They were the one NFL franchise that made Lions fans feel a little bit better about themselves.

Long-time owner Bill Bidwell was known for being tight-fisted with his money and vision of the franchise. As a result, they had struggled as much as the Lions for an even longer period of time. However, under the guidance of Michael Bidwell, his son, they have become relevant and even appeared in Super Bowl XLIII where they almost knocked off the favored Pittsburgh Steelers.

Today the Arizona Cardinals should once again bring solace to Lions fans everywhere because Sheila Ford Hamp has the opportunity to do what Michael Bidwell has done in Arizona; overcome the specter of her parents’ poor ownership.

Now Sheila has the opportunity to get it right.

For fans who have been paying attention to the names that have been interviewed for the general manager position as well as the other names linked to the Lions, this is an accomplished list that has proven names and dynamic talent waiting to be tapped.

That doesn’t mean this will be a ‘can’t-miss’ hiring, but the odds seem to be more in the Lions’ favor than most of their previous regimes have been.

So not only is the opportunity to turn this franchise around there for the taking, but also the opportunity to create a winning culture that could possibly even outlast the Lions’ new general manager and head coach if they are successful in turning around this long-lost franchise.