Hey Everyone, due to massive googling as of late, I came across this blog and felt that it was necessary for me to join and be a part of this community. Now while I have been reading the recent posts (My membership became active a couple of hours ago) it got me really thinking, hence the following little "tirade" if you will. I do not mean any anger or hate towards the Lions, I love them, always have and always will. I just wanted to give my 2 copper about what being a Lions fan is to me.

 I have been a lions fan since Barry Sanders started playing in the early 90's. I loved the way he moved, the way he juked, his demeanor on and off the field and his ability to find the gaps and run like a monster. When he left, I was sad, beyond sad, I was disheartened. Still, I stood strong with my lions, I kept with them and kept my support vocal to my friends and family who supported other teams. Through thick and thin I have supported the lions, facepalming myself every year, seeing moments like the huge runs we let through, large passes and even the dreadful 0-16 season. It is hard to be a lions fan these days, but I am. I will be, as sad and delirious as it may be. I have faith in my team. I do love them, it has been over 15 years (I am 23 now) and my support has not waned.

I come to you dear forum, I come to you to ask the question. Why? Why do I care so much? Why do I stick with them through everything despite their clear failures and shortcomings, mistakes and issues. I will always have faith in them, I know we have the talent and I know we have the ability to close, we just are not doing it. Seeing plays this year already such as the Calvin Johnson call (regardless if the refs called it right or not, it was bull), all the penalties and miscues, it just makes me scratch my head. In a way, I feel is the NFL's fault, maybe they have it in for the one team I truly love and follow? Maybe the NFL doesn't want the Lions to succeed, managing to find ways to instill roadblocks, hindrances and despair to these men. I will stick through this season, and maybe another, I don't even know anymore. Football is the one sport I love, truly love. The only sport I follow, nay the one true sport I can sit down and watch a full game. The one team I choose to call mine just happens to be the worst team in history. So I ask you, please, give me a reason. Give me the hope I need, I don't want to lose faith, but is starting to happen. I know I am die hard as you can get, but I am just sick of the NFL and their policies, rules and regulations. It just seems they don't want what they feel is a low-caliber team winning games.

Sad, Down and Hopeful Fan,

Usman Altafullah