The Detroit Lions franchise originated in 1929 as the Portsmouth Spartans in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Key Timeline

• Formed as Portsmouth Spartans in 1929; joined the NFL on July 12, 1930.

• Relocated to Detroit in 1934 by George A. Richards, who renamed the team the Lions to pair with the city's baseball Tigers.

• Won their first NFL championship in 1935.

The team has played in Detroit ever since, competing in the NFC North division.