DETROIT — The lion unveiled the new uniforms Thursday night with the backing of the auto industry, using the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Bronco off-road vehicle and F-150 Lightning pickup truck to complement the team’s new themes .
The Lions, coming off their most successful season in decades, drew inspiration from their owners’ family business, Ford Motor Co., and their most legendary cars to create so the appearance is updated.
Lions officials said the stripes on the sleeves of the jerseys are reminiscent of the stripes on the hood of a Ford Mustang, and the blue collar on the jerseys symbolizes the area’s industrial base.
“We wanted the uniforms to be more meaningful to our city, our fans and our team’s heritage,” said Emily Griffin, senior vice president of marketing and brand for the Lions.
The Bronco, which returns in 2021 after being discontinued in 1996, was also a common inspiration for Nike, which developed the uniforms. The home jersey, in the team’s traditional colors of Honolulu blue and silver, features white block numbers, recalling the look of the 1990s Lions led by Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.
“We were inspired [by the Bronco] to bring back the look of the Barry Sanders generation,” Lions CEO and chairman Rod Wood said. Autoblog.
A white F-150 Lightning complements the team’s new white road uniforms, but the Mustang Dark Horse and the Lions’ new black alternate jersey are clearly fan favorites Favourite. Attracting 8,000 fans, the alternate jerseys that will be worn for the special matches were revealed with Dark Horse as a backdrop to the rapturous cheers from the crowd at Ford Field, the day after the ceremony Celebrating Mustang’s 60th anniversary.
The Lions are owned and operated by the Ford family, led by principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp. Ford executive chairman Bill Ford, Hamp’s brother, was previously group chief executive. Their father, William Clay Ford, Sr., purchased the team in 1963 and owned it until his death in 2014. His initials are printed on the back of the team’s helmets.
“Ford and the Lions have a rich, shared history tied to Detroit heritage,” said Lisa Materazzo, director of global marketing for Ford Motor Company. “We are proud of that Ford Bronco and iconic Mustang serve as the inspiration for the elements of their new uniforms and are excited to meet the Lions as they proudly represent Detroit at Ford Field and celebrate our shared passion for football. ”
