[ad_1]
Ford Field was rocking on Sunday. The Detroit Lions were steamrolling the Chicago Bears, and the crowd was in full voice. But late in the game, things took a different turn. Out of the noise came a very clear chant: “F%K Ben Johnson!”
And just like that, the debate began. Was this fair? Was it too much? Or was it simply fans being fans?
The Case for “Yes, It Was OK”
Let’s be real, sports are emotional. Ben Johnson wasn’t just some random coach who left for a different job. He was the guy who helped transform Detroit’s offense into one of the most dangerous in football. Then, when it felt like the Lions were on the cusp of something historic, he bolted to coach a division rival. To many fans, that felt personal.
Chants like this are nothing new in sports. They’re raw, they’re loud, and they send a message: you crossed us, and you’re going to hear about it. It’s part of the atmosphere that makes football in Detroit feel different. And let’s be honest, Johnson had to know this was coming when he signed on the dotted line with Chicago.
The Case for “Maybe It Crossed the Line”
On the other hand, there’s a difference between booing and straight-up vulgar chants. Kids were in the building. Families were there. And while emotion is part of the game, so is respect. Johnson helped shape Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, and others into stars. Plenty of players still speak highly of him. Some might say the chant was less about passion and more about pettiness.
And here’s another thing, the Lions don’t need it. They already proved their point on the field. A 52-21 blowout says more than any chant could.
#Lions fans were chanting “F*** Ben Johnson” during today’s game vs. the Bears:
(🎥 @bradPSG) pic.twitter.com/XmYJezT8Dw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2025
My Take
Personally? I get it, but I would not have joined in. Detroit fans have carried decades of frustration, and when someone leaves for a rival, especially someone as beloved as Johnson was, emotions boil over. The chant was loud, it was raw, and it was undeniably Detroit. Was it classy? Not at all. But sports aren’t always about being classy. They’re about passion, loyalty, and sometimes a little bit of venom.
At the same time, I think Lions fans would’ve looked even stronger by just drowning Johnson in boos, letting the scoreboard do the talking, and keeping it clean. The chants gave national outlets a chance to focus on the vulgarity instead of the domination.
The Bottom Line
So, was it “OK”? Depends who you ask. If you believe sports are an outlet for raw emotion, then yes, the chant fit the moment. If you believe in keeping things above the belt, then maybe Detroit crossed the line.
Either way, one thing’s for sure: Ben Johnson got the message loud and clear.
[ad_2]
Don Drysdale
Source link