Detroit Lions logo history
The Detroit Lions’ current logo uses the detailed leaping-lion drawing introduced in 2009, with the silver-and-blue treatment adopted in 2017. The 2009 redesign added definition to the mane, face and legs. The 2017 update removed the black outline and retained the 2009 lion drawing.
Current Detroit Lions logo vs. the old logo
New
Old
The old Detroit Lions logo shown here revives the 1961–1969 design: a white lion outlined in blue, stretched across vertical blue and silver bars. The current logo removes those bars and uses a more detailed blue leaping lion. Detroit also drew on the 1960s mark for its 90th-season anniversary logo in 2023.
What is Honolulu blue in the Lions logo?
Honolulu blue is Detroit’s signature team blue. The logo pairs it with silver and white, keeping the leaping lion visible against a variety of backgrounds. The raised forelegs and curled tail preserve the posture that links the modern drawing to the older silhouette.
When did the Detroit Lions start playing?
The franchise began NFL play as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930 and moved to Detroit as the Lions in 1934. Honolulu blue and silver became part of that Detroit identity. The leaping lion has appeared in several drawings, so the franchise’s founding, first lion and current artwork have different dates.
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