Lions fans, don't be shocked if a sea of blue ski masks takes over Ford Field on Sunday.
The Detroit faithful have always been a passionate fanbase, even for a team that has yet to appear a Super Bowl, let alone win a championship. There's plenty to like about this year's squad after a promising back half off 2022, which has resulted in the Lions selling out their season tickets for the time in Ford Field's 21-year history.
The emotions are high around Motor City, especially coming off a win on the road in Week 1 against the defending Super Bowl-champion Chiefs. As a result, Ford Field is expected to be packed for the home opener.
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But why will there be Lions fans donning blue ski masks at the stadium on Sunday? The Sporting News explains:
Why Lions fans are wearing blue ski masks
Fans can thank Lions cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the barrage of blue ski masks at Ford Field on Sunday.
Gardner-Johnson, who signed a one-year deal this offseason with Detroit, challenged the Detroit faithful to bring a ski mask to the game Sunday. The secondary member was previously spotted wearing a blue ski mask after the Lions' 21-20 win over the Chiefs to kick off the NFL season.
If you gone have a ski mask Sunday quote this 😈
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) September 12, 2023
Lions DB C.J. Gardner Johnson said he wants to see blue ski masks everywhere for the Lions home opener on Sunday.
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 13, 2023
The Lions fans responded and blue ski masks have SOLD OUT on Amazon 😳
Expect Ford Field to be the loudest stadium in the NFL this season. pic.twitter.com/vpUu9uhoDt
His message has been received. Blue ski masks have reportedly sold out on Amazon, as the Motor City fanatics quickly scooped up whatever remaining masks were available online in preparation for the home opener.
Couple hours before kickoff and multiple @Lions fans with blue ski masks already spotted 🔵 🔵 New tradition in Detroit?? pic.twitter.com/MncIb31fiA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 17, 2023
One of the fans in the crowd will be Detroit rapper Baby Face Ray, who FaceTimed with Gardner-Johnson, showing off his designer look.
Our own @mattbro21 caught up with #Lions DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson who shouted out multiple Detroit rappers, and FaceTimed @babyfaceray who showed his “designer” ski mask that he’ll be rocking in Detroit on Sunday 👀
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) September 14, 2023
“Best Rapper in Detroit.” - @CGJXXIII pic.twitter.com/JJwnDLwarp
The ski mask may not be limited to just Week 2's contest. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown loves the idea of the added feature, but suggested having a turnover ski mask. Football teams have used a variety of tokens and items in the past to celebrate a turnover on defense, and the ski mask could potentially be seen on sidelines at some point in the future.
Amon Ra St Brown is all in on the ski mask agenda 😎 he also wants the #Lions to start the “turnover ski mask” #OnePride pic.twitter.com/1APfi6qfZM
— Eric Vincent (@IAmEricVincent) September 13, 2023
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But what exactly is the reason for wearing ski masks? Gardner-Johnson had the answer.
"We villains, right?" Gardner-Johnson said Tuesday. "It's part of us. It's the culture. I'm changing it.
"We taking what's ours."
We'll see if the Lions can take a second victory to start off the season Sunday afternoon against the Seahawks.
