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Today Is an Important Day in Detroit Lions History

Anne Erickson November 22nd, 2021
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 21: Tim Boyle #12 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It’s been a rough season for the Detroit Lions. Hey, I can’t sugarcoat it at all. I like Dan Campbell and think he’s a solid coach, but if we finish off the season with zero wins, I’ll be pretty disappointed.

That said, today is an important day in Detroit Lions history. On this date in 1963, William Clay Ford officially took ownership of the Detroit Lions.

Ford took full control in January of 1964. Before the move, Ford was a minority owner and team president, starting in 1961. He purchased the team from 144 shareholders for $4.5 million.

Of course, Nov. 22, 1963, was also a tragic fay in American history, as it’s the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I wasn’t around, but my parents remember the day well and talk about it each year.

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Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio, and she started shortly after graduating from MSU. She has a passion for rock and metal, plus local music. She also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson!