Viral Emotional Lions Fan Visits Mizizi in Grand Rapids

A man who went viral for his emotional response to the Detroit Lions first playoff win in decades recently stopped in to a Grand Rapids restaurant!

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After the Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-23, in a first-ever playoff win at Ford Field, a camera panning the crowd caught a Lions fan in tears.

Commentator Mike Tirico, who lives in Ann Arbor, commented on the moment, expressing to the nationwide audience exactly what this win meant to Lions fans.

Social media exploded with fans around the country basically saying "SAME".

Later, we learned the incredible story behind the moment. The fan expressing tears of joy is Aaron Joseph Wikaryasz. His father, Joseph, had been a longtime Lions fan and the pair would often attend games together.

Sadly, Joseph passed away in a car accident when Arron was only 14 in 2004. He was buried in his Detroit Lions leather jacket.

Aaron's brother surprised him with the playoff tickets. When Jared Goff got the final first down, he understandably became emotional. He shared,

"It was a full circle moment for me. I didn't know my dad as an adult, as a man. It's hard to connect in those moments, as of late. So being there, I can be 14 again."

I'm so glad to see that Aaron is headed to Santa Clara to watch his beloved Lions take on the 49ers!

The popular African-fusion food truck Street Chef Shaw recently opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Grand Rapids, Mizizi. Aaron stopped in to Mizizi this weekend, prior to flying out to California!

Turns out, Aaron is a longtime friend of head chef, Kirel Shaw.

We know you had a great meal in GR, Aaron, and are hoping for a Lions win on Sunday for you and for all of us!