ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions’ turnaround over the past two and a half years is something their fanbase has dreamt of since the franchise’s last moment of glory — the 1957 NFL championship.

Having been both a player and now the head coach in Detroit, Dan Campbell is more than aware of the significance.

The team’s recent success, fueled by back-to-back seasons of at least 12 wins and two consecutive division crowns, has taken Lions fandom to new heights. From local music artists creating multiple theme songs to bakeries making life-sized cakes in the likeness of receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, fan engagement is at an all-time high.

“It is unique, and I go back to this — it was one of the things that, for somebody like me, was appealing about playing here, wanting to play here and coach here,” Campbell said about the fan engagement.

“This is a sleeping giant for football. The Pistons have had success, the Red Wings have had success, but the Lions have never had success. And just to be able to unlock everything — this is a sports town. And for everybody to feel like they’re a part of it, like, ‘Man, this is our team, and they represent us, and what they’re about and the way they play — we can stand behind that.’

“So every little thing that comes up — like (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, people are dyeing their hair now — it is pretty cool. And we feel the love, and we appreciate it.”

The excitement surrounding the Lions’ resurgence isn’t just limited to Michigan.

Detroit’s neighbors across the river in Windsor, Ontario, Canada are getting in on the action. As recently as last Saturday, the city held a Lions-themed drone light show, featuring multiple images paying homage to the team.

And when Saturday’s divisional round matchup between the Lions and Washington Commanders at Ford Field kicks off, bars and local establishments in the area will host activations to celebrate the team.

“The city is super excited,” Bob Bellacicco, a reporter from CTV in Windsor, shared with MLive. “We are big Lions fans on our side of the border too. And to finally see this franchise turn a corner after seeing the Red Wings do it and the Pistons do it, it’s finally nice to see the Lions turning that corner and getting to the top of the pinnacle.”

Bellacicco noted that bars and restaurants in Windsor, typically filled with fans watching soccer or hockey, are now drawing football crowds eager to see the Honolulu Blue and Silver on their screens.

“I know one bar in (Windsor’s) East End — I mean, they’re thriving because of that. It’s called the Factory House — and the Lions gave them a sanctioned party for the Buffalo Bills game, which was really cool,” Bellacicco said. “So they closed off the whole parking lot, and fans are going in droves to the restaurants and bars to watch the Lions play, which is really cool to see. It’s about time.”

Made aware of the support from their neighbors in Windsor, Campbell made sure to acknowledge them — and a few others.

“Yeah, it is awesome. It is. And right across the river, man, they’re all part of this too,” Campbell said. “And I know this is no different than if you’re here, you’re upstate, you’re down in Texas, you’re in South Florida, or you’re across the river. We got fans in Mexico too — I got something on that. So, man, we appreciate ‘em, and we know they’re out there as well.”

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