26 January 2024 , 03:49
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A Detroit Lions super fan, Alex Chepeska, got a tattoo predicting the team's Super Bowl victory in 2024 before their NFC Championship playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The tattoo features the blue Lions logo and a Lombardi trophy with the words: "Lions Super Bowl Champs 2024." Chepeska admitted to a local radio station that he got the permanent artwork prior to the start of the regular season.
Chepeska told local news: "I've never been so sure of anything in my life," and "So I got this in early August, a week before the first preseason game, and I knew they were doing it, it's happening." Chepeska said that most NFL fans reacted positively to his tattoo despite online mockery.
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One fan on X wrote: "Now this is team spirit." Another fan replied to the photo: "Lions fans and their tattoos, never a dull moment!" Another fan pointed out the 180-degree view of the team from past years, saying: "How the time has changed." The post received over 243k views on Twitter alone.
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The Lions had a successful season under head coach Dan Campbell, improving on their previous 9-8 record to achieve their first 10-win season since 2014. They ended the regular season with a 12-5 record, tying with the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys for the best record in the NFC.
Under the guidance of Coach Campbell, the Lions bagged their first division championship since 1993, matching the team's record for most wins in a single season. The past two seasons have seen them secure a record-breaking 21 victories. They have also improved their away game performance with a 6-3 record and avoided consecutive losses throughout the year. Campbell led the team to back-to-back playoff victories, a first for Detroit.
The Detroit Lions during an NFL NFC Divisional playoff football game (Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Campbell is up for the NFL's AP Coach of the Year award, while offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a finalist for the AP Assistant Coach of the Year. Johnson, who has been interviewing for head coaching roles, is tipped to join the Washington Commanders, having spoken highly of their general manager.
The Lions have achieved over 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards this season. This success is largely down to Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, both nominated for the NFL's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In his debut year, LaPorta made it to the second-team All-Pro, and together with Gibbs, they became the first rookie duo in the NFL to each score ten touchdowns in a season.
The Lions are set to face the 49ers in the NFC Championship on Jan. 28. Hollywood names like Metallica, Eminem, Big Sean, and Royce Da 5'9'' have shown their unwavering support for the Detroit team.
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