In the previous episode, I shared the unforgettable story of attending Super Bowl LIII with Corey in Atlanta—a week filled with father-son memories, capped by a Patriots victory. Only months later, we found ourselves together again at Ford Field for another game involving New England. This time, however, it wasn’t the spectacle of the Super Bowl, but rather an unexpected lesson in hope, loyalty, and the unpredictability of the NFL.
After Corey and I shared the unforgettable experience of attending Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, I thought it would be hard to top that memory. Yet, just seven months later, we found ourselves at Ford Field for another game neither of us would ever forget.
On September 23, 2018, the Lions—led by new head coach Matt Patricia, fresh from his role as defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots—hosted the defending Super Bowl champions. To me, the outcome felt like a foregone conclusion. The Patriots were a dynasty. The Lions, meanwhile, were… well, the Lions.
As we drove downtown, I told Corey flat out: “I’m certain the Lions are going to lose.” It was the first time I can remember walking into a Lions game without even a glimmer of hope.
But Corey, ever the student of the game, pushed back. He reminded me that “anything can happen on any given Sunday” and noted Patricia’s unique motivation to beat his old team. I smiled at his optimism, but I stuck with my gloomy assessment.
A Club-Level Detour
Our seats for the game were in the club section just below the NFL broadcast booth. Before kickoff, I decided to have a little fun. I walked up to the booth and introduced myself, suggesting they might want to do a short human-interest interview of me since I probably was the only fan in Ford Field with season tickets for both the Lions and the Patriots.
Years earlier, after moving east, I had put my name on the Patriots’ long waiting list. Fifteen years later, my offer finally came through, and I accepted. So there I was, a man with season tickets in both Detroit and Foxborough. The broadcasters politely declined, but Corey was amused. Another quirky piece of Sievert family folklore was born.
A Shocking Upset
Then came the real surprise. The Lions didn’t just compete—they controlled the game. With balance on offense and intensity on defense, Detroit stunned the football world, beating New England 26–10.
Patricia had his moment of redemption. The Lions, though bound for a mediocre 6–10 record that season, had pulled off one of the most improbable wins in recent franchise history. And Corey had been right to caution me: never count out the NFL’s unpredictability.
Father, Son, and Strategy
As always, Corey’s insights throughout the game elevated the experience. He dissected play-calling, coaching decisions, and strategies, just as he had done since he was young. For me, the best part of the night wasn’t the upset itself—it was seeing his grin as the Lions defied the odds and being reminded, once again, of how special it is to share these moments with him.
Leave a Reply