To My Lions Family,
As I sit down to write this, my heart swells with gratitude, pride, and an unshakable belief in what we have built together. This letter is not just a message—it’s a testament to the blood, sweat, and tears poured into a franchise that has defied expectations and redefined resilience.
When I first stepped into this building, I knew I wasn’t just joining a team—I was joining a movement. Detroit isn’t just another city. It’s a symbol of perseverance, of working-class grit, of never backing down even when the odds say otherwise. And the Detroit Lions? We embody that spirit to our core.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed the transformation of this organization from a team struggling for respect to one that commands it. We have fought, clawed, and battled our way to a place where we no longer ask for recognition—we demand it. And that is because of every single individual who bleeds Honolulu Blue and Silver. From the players in the trenches to the coaches grinding in the film room, from the front office orchestrating the vision to the fans who have stood by us through thick and thin—this is OUR journey.
There were moments when people doubted us. When they questioned if Detroit could ever rise from the depths of mediocrity. But if there’s one thing this city knows, it’s that doubt only fuels the fire. Look at us now—standing as a force to be reckoned with. Our culture has changed. Our mentality has shifted. No longer are we defined by past failures, but by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
To my players—each one of you who has stepped onto that field wearing this jersey, know that you are part of something bigger than yourselves. When you line up on Sundays, you’re not just representing a football team; you’re carrying the hopes of an entire city. You’re playing for the fans who have endured decades of heartbreak yet still show up with unwavering belief. You’re playing for the kids in Detroit who dream of one day suiting up in the same colors. Play for them. Play for each other.
To our fans—there is no fanbase like you. Through the highs and the lows, through the rebuilds and the heartbreaks, you never wavered. You never abandoned us. And now, as we stand on the precipice of something truly special, know that you are just as much a part of this as we are. Every roar from Ford Field, every away game you travel to, every moment you stand by this team—it matters. It fuels us. It pushes us forward.
To the city of Detroit—thank you for embracing me, for embracing this team, for embodying what it means to be relentless. We are not done. The job is not finished. The best chapters of this story are still being written.
This is the new era of Detroit Lions football. And we are just getting started.
With passion and purpose,
Kelvin Sheppard