Red Wings All In On Rooting for Detroit Lions Today

Jeff Petry‘s family has owned Detroit Lions season tickets dating back to the Pontiac Silverdome. Coach Derek Lalonde is proud to own a Aidan Hutchinson jersey. Alex DeBrincat had Sam LaPorta on his fantasy team.

The Detroit Red Wings, just like everyone else in the state of Michigan, are all in when it comes to the Detroit Lions.

“I feel like a lot of the guys are pretty invested right now come playoff time,”  said DeBrincat, who grew up in Farmington Hills. “Just fun to watch. Just rally around the city of Detroit. ”

The Red Wings were amused to hear the “Jared Goff, Jared Goff, Jared Goff,” chants start up at Little Caesars Arena.

“It’s cool,” DeBrincat said. “I think it’s definitely you can tell people are excited to be in this situation and be able to watch playoff games and invest in it. Obviously Goff’s a very important player on their team and has brought them this far. It’s pretty cool to see and be a part of. That was a cool moment in the game the other day. Just seeing the whole state of Michigan rally around one team is definitely special.”

At 36, Petry has some Lions memories that date back to the Silverdome.

“I remember going to a handful of games with my dad (former Detroit Tigers pitcher Dan) or being able to take a friend as we got older,” Jeff Petry said. “I wouldn’t say I was a die-hard Lions fan but enjoyed watching them and being able to go to games, that’s a memory of my childhood for sure.”

Lalonde Has Torn Allegiance

Lalonde’s admiration of the Lions is more recent. As a western New York native, Lalonde is a lifelong Buffalo Bills fans. But he has adopted the Lions. He has met Lions coach Dan Campbell and Hutchinson and wants to invite Campbell to talk to the Red Wings after the Lions season is over.

“I think what’s been most impressive about this is how authentic the group is,” Lalonde said. “How real it is. The energy of it. How can you not like the group, the passion, the swagger? It’s just been really cool to watch. Obviously, my son, the crew, the guys, my family, can’t wait to watch tomorrow.”

Lalonde’s sons are Lions fan, which has added to the fun for the Detroit coach.

“I like Hutch. I have a jersey,” Lalonde said. “Meeting him, too. He came over, gave me the bro hug, gave my boys some time. So I appreciate that. My oldest son is a huge Amon-Ra (St. Brown) fan. We went to the Bills game last year on Thanksgiving and obviously, I’m very invested in my Bills and he had his Amon-Ra jersey on and was digging me, which was fun. The group, the way they compete, it’s fun to watch.”

Red Wings Have Day Off

DeBrincat said some of the Red Wings have been getting together to watch the Lions playoff games. That will likely happen today as well. Lalonde has given the team a day off. No practice after Saturday’s 5-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights. Captain Dylan Larkin indicated that the players are planning to gather at Justin Holl’s home to watch the game.

Lalonde will be home watching with his family. He promises to wear his Hutchinson jersey.

He was asked whether it is easier for him that he no longer has the possibility of a Buffalo vs. Detroit Super Bowl.

Yes. Very,” he said. “But it’s my Bills. Been hard on me. To have a team like that, it’s a real passion to it. It’s so fun to watch. I’ll be very invested (Sunday).”