This is the first of a three part series of articles that look at why we remain fans of the Detroit Lions.

During the last few years of the Second World War, the United States government sponsored a public relations campaign called “Why We Fight”. It was designed to remind the American people of why we were fighting the Nazis and Japanese and that, though we were winning the war, continued support was necessary to ensure victory.

The marketing arm of the Detroit Lions is currently engaged in their own campaign for our support. After watching the first television commercial of the 2009 season, which is excellent, I found myself asking: what makes fans continue to support this team? Why do we watch?

The first installment of this series focuses on pride.

Michiganders generally, and metro-Detroiters specifically, have a lot of pride in who and what they are. When difficult times have set in, we fall back on that pride as a source of strength and resolve. We hold onto the things that are ours and ours alone: Christmas shopping at Hudson’s downtown, the Aquarium on Belle Isle, Sanders Hot Fudge and National Coney Island. We cling to afternoons at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, Gordy’s elbow at the old Olympia and “The Supernatural”, Lem Barney, stealing the ball from the clutches of some hapless Viking at Briggs Stadium.

Being a Lions fan requires a lot of pride, not only in the team itself, but in the city and state represented by the Honolulu Blue and Silver.

I remember a heated argument I got into with my wife’s uncles once. One of them was a former season ticket holder, and both professed to be life-long Lions fans, but were jumping ship as soon as it reaches port. They couldn’t believe that I could find any reason for hope to start off the season. After arguing point after point, player after player, they would not relent.

I finally asked them a simple question:

For two guys who swear they don’t care about the Lions anymore, why are you getting so angry?
How many Lions fans have similar stories? How many of us have bristled after being asked, one too many times, how we can support the team? How many of us have wanted to punch that smirk off the face of someone who say “You’re a Lions fan, eh…heh.” That’s pride.

I’m proud that I’ve never quit on them. I’m proud that I haven’t missed watching a game, life or on television, in five years. I’m proud to wear my gear in public. I’m proud that the greatest running back of all time played for my team, and represented my city with grace and honor. I’m proud that I see so many former players at team functions really embracing the average fan.

The next time you see the new marketing campaign, and you find yourself smiling at the hope that they really are “building this team the right way”, know that it’s the pride you have in that Honolulu Blue and Silver that keeps you coming back in hopes of one more rendition of “Gridiron Heroes”.