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Detroit Lions Set Record For Futility: 0-16

By Robert Paul Reyes

"The Detroit Lions own a distinction no team wants: worst in NFL history.

Facing one last chance to avoid their dubious destiny, the Lions lost Sunday's season finale to the Green Bay Packers 31-21 to complete the league's first 0-16 season. The 1976 expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14) were the last NFL team to complete a season without a victory." Chris Jenkins/MyWay.com

When I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area I was a faithful fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders, but I've lived in Virginia for almost a decade and I no longer follow the NFL. I couldn't tell you which teams made the playoffs, but when a team set a record for futility it captures the attention of everyone, even casual fans.

An NFL team brings instant respectability and prosperity to a city, that's why municipalities entice teams to relocate by offering them generous tax breaks and building multimillion stadiums. The citizens of a city identify with and adore their teams, when their heroes excel on the gridiron field or the basketball arena they lift up the spirits of everyone.

Detroit is a city on life support, it has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, and a serious crime problem. It's no wonder that thousands have fled the city, and moved to the suburbs. If any city needs an injection of hope it's Detroit, and it's a tragedy that they are burdened with the worst team in the history of sports.

Detroit needs to look on the bright side: It's impossible for the fearless Lions to have a worse record in 2009. I am far from being an expert on the NFL, and I can't offer any advice on steps the Lions can take to improve their fortunes. All I can do is encourage the good people of Detroit not to give up, the automotive industry will make a comeback and the Lions are bound to improve. A miracle may take place and people might even start moving back to Detroit.

Robert Paul Reyes is a NewsBlaze writer on Politics, Pop Culture and Pointless Pontificating. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.

Robert Reyes