The Detroit Lions boast a rich legacy deeply ingrained in the heart of Motor City. From the glory days of the past to the struggles of recent years, the team’s legacy has been a rollercoaster of emotions. However, loyal fans continue to support the Lions, hoping for a resurgence.
One such long time Lions fan was Larry Benjamin who has passed away for the ternal at the age of 81.
Larry Benjamin: Who was he?
Larry Benjamin, a devoted father of five and former General Motors employee, was a ‘superfan’ of the Detroit Lions. With a 28-year tenure at Saginaw Malleable Iron, he carried his dedication to the Lions into the most challenging moments of his life.
Larry’s son Jeff shared the news of his father’s passing on X, formerly known as Twitter. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support received during his father’s final days.
Despite battling COPD for over a decade, Larry Benjamin remained faithful to his familial duties while also indulging in his unwavering enthusiasm for the Lions. His commitment to the team reached new heights during their playoff run last season.
The 83-year-old captured the hearts of fans worldwide by dyeing his hair blue in solidarity with his favorite football squad despite being in hospice care. His gesture of support caught the attention of Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who reached out to him with words of gratitude and admiration. Lions legend Chris Spielman also personally contacted Larry to express his appreciation for his unwavering loyalty to the team.
How did Larry Benjamin become Lions superfan?
Larry Benjamin’s journey to becoming a Lions superfan is deeply rooted in both personal history and the city’s culture. According to his son, Jeff Benjamin, Larry’s allegiance to the Lions dates back as far as Jeff can remember.
The family had financial constraints, but Larry made it a priority to attend games with his son whenever possible. The father-son duo cherished those moments in the stands as bonding experiences that reinforced their shared love for the team. Their devotion reached a pinnacle during the Lions’ last playoff victory in 1992 against the Dallas Cowboys. It was an event etched into their memories as a rare triumph amidst a sea of disappointments.
Jeff reflected on the significance of this win, saying, “When you’re a Lions fan, you take victories in a different way. [Winning two playoff games] is as far as the Lions have ever gone. This is huge.”
The Lions’ quest for a Super Bowl title has been marked by heartbreaks and near misses. However, fans like Larry and Jeff remained steadfast in their belief that the Lombardi trophy would one day find its home in the Motor City, especially after the promising 2023 season. But the season saw the Lions make strides in the postseason before succumbing to the San Francisco 49ers.
For Larry Benjamin, being a Lions superfan was more than just supporting a football team. It was about embracing a sense of community that defines the spirit of Detroit. The Lions players and fan base will definitely miss a super fan like Larry.
