Lions Didn’t Make Super Bowl But 5 Former Players Did

Michiganders’ hopes of seeing the Detroit Lions in the Super Bowl will have to wait another season, but for some former Lions players, the dream is alive, now suiting up for a different team in the big game.

Last Three Detroit Lions Seasons Gave Fans Hope

The Detroit Lions’ 2025 season was a roller coaster, filled with both highs and lows. Among the highlights were sweeping division rival Chicago Bears, along with impressive wins over the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dallas Cowboys.

The lows included losing both games to division rivals Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, but the biggest disappointment came when the Lions failed to make the playoffs, after postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024.

The 2024 season stands as the greatest in Detroit Lions history, with the team posting a 15–2 record and entering the playoffs as Super Bowl favorites. That championship run ended abruptly, however, with a first-round loss to the Washington Commanders.

The 2023 season was one of the most heartbreaking in Detroit Lions history. The team reached the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, only to surrender a 24–7 lead and fall 34–31, slamming the door on their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Read More: Super Bowl LX Referee: Ferris State’s Shawn Smith 

Just because the Lions didn't make the playoffs or the Super Bowl this year doesn't mean some former players won't be a part of the big dance.

Lions Miss Out, But Familiar Faces Reach The Super Bowl

According to MLive, between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks there are five former Detroit Lions that are a part of the teams that are going to the Super Bowl.

The Patriots have former Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, and running back Craig Reynolds who are on the team's practice squad.

The Seahawks have former Lions safety Quandre Diggs who is a member of the practice squad.

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If a player gets injured in either the AFC or NFC Championship games, any of the five former Lions could be called up for the Super Bowl. Either way, being on the winning team’s practice squad still earns you a championship ring.

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