Detroit Lions Logo History: Every Lions Logo
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 26th 2026
- The Lions added white trim to the logo in 1970.
- Black trim came in 2003 and was removed on February 1, 2017.
- A new logo came on April 20, 2009.
- A blue helmet with the 1960s logo debuted on June 21, 2023.
This guide covers the Detroit Lions logo history as text: the main marks by year and why they changed. Photos show uniforms and equipment; standalone logo artwork is not reproduced.
Detroit Lions logo timeline
| Year | Change | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 to 1969 | Lion logo honored later | The inspiration for the 2023 patch |
| 1970 | White trim added to the logo | Outlines on numbers followed in 1972 |
| 2003 | Black trim added | Black facemasks followed |
| Apr 20, 2009 | New logo and uniforms | Replaces the black alternate with a throwback |
| Feb 1, 2017 | New typeface and logo | Black removed from the team identity |
| 2023 | 90th season logo and patch | A blue helmet with the 1960s logo debuted June 21 |
| 2024 | WCF decal on the helmet | Memorial for William Clay Ford |
The first Lions marks
The Lions moved from Portsmouth, Ohio to Detroit in 1934, and owner George A. Richards chose Honolulu blue and silver. Wikipedia describes the uniforms as essentially the same since 1934 apart from the scarlet and black of 1948 to 1950. White trim was added to the logo in 1970, and outlines were added to the numbers in 1972.
2003, 2009 and 2017
In 2003 the team added black trim to its logo and jerseys. On April 20, 2009 it unveiled a new logo and uniforms, and the 2008 throwback became the permanent alternate. On February 1, 2017 the Lions announced a new typeface and logo and the complete removal of black from the team identity. Black returned as an alternate color in the 2024 set.
The 1960s mark and the 2023 helmet
In 2023 the Lions celebrated their 90th season with a commemorative logo and jersey patch. Wikipedia says the patch is an homage to the Lions’ logo from 1961 to 1969, which is also honored in the WCF memorial logo and the 60th commemorative season logo. On June 21, 2023 the team debuted a blue alternate helmet with the 1960s logo, its first blue helmet since 1955. In 2024 the WCF memorial decal went onto the helmets.
Alternate marks and names
The Lions’ current set has names. The 2024 uniforms are called "One Pride" at home, "the 313" on the road and "Motor City Muscle" in black. On February 1, 2017 the team added "WCF" to the left sleeve in tribute to William Clay Ford. In 2026 the Rivalries jersey, called "Defend the Den," puts the word DETROIT above the number, per media reports. For history of the colors behind these marks, read the Lions colors guide.
Logos and your jersey
A jersey carries the marks that were current for its style. A throwback listing shows older marks, and a current home or away listing shows the current ones, so check the style name and the product photo before you order. The Nike Game vs Limited vs Elite guide explains how the tiers differ, and the NFL jersey size chart helps you choose a size. Photos show uniforms and equipment; standalone logo artwork is not reproduced.
Wear the Lions logo
The logo story is only half of the picture. Shop the Lions jerseys for retro marks, the Detroit Lions jerseys for the current set and the legends jerseys for past stars. For the uniforms around each logo, read the Lions uniform history. Searches for a "detroit lions black logo" or "detroit lions old logo" lead to the 2003 and 2009 marks, and the black trim story. Fans also search for “logo detroit lions”, “detroit lions old logo”, “detroit lion logo”, “detroit lions logo history”, “detroit lions logos”, “detroit lions new logo”, “cool detroit lions logo”, “detroit lions black logo”, “detroit lions logo black” and “detroit lions logo nfl”. All of them point to the logo history above.
Lions logo FAQ
Did the Detroit Lions change their logo?
Yes, in 1970 (white trim), 2003 (black trim), 2009 and 2017.
What is the Detroit Lions logo?
A lion, with Honolulu blue and silver as the colors.
Why did the Lions remove black from their logo?
On February 1, 2017 the team announced a new typeface and logo and removed black from its identity. The reasons are in the team announcement, which we did not retrieve.
When did the Lions bring back the 1960s logo?
On a blue alternate helmet debuting June 21, 2023.