Lions and Commanders: A Deep Dive Into Friendships, Rivalries, and Familiar Faces

The relationship between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders spans decades, stretching far beyond just the football field. While fans may not immediately think of the two teams as bitter rivals, there’s an undeniable web of interconnected stories, friendships, and competitive moments that weave between the franchises. Whether through past players, front office executives, or behind-the-scenes personnel, the Lions and Commanders have become well acquainted over the years.

The two teams, with their rich histories and passionate fan bases, have experienced numerous crossovers in terms of personnel and unforgettable matchups. From trades to draft picks, coaching hires to front-office deals, the lines of interaction between Detroit and Washington have been drawn in unexpected ways. Here, we explore these connections, highlighting moments where the Lions and Commanders’ paths have crossed, and how their mutual acquaintance has shaped the two franchises’ identities.

A Shared History of Success and Struggles

Both the Lions and Commanders have storied pasts, but they have experienced their fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. The Lions have enjoyed occasional success, winning four NFL Championships (most recently in 1957) but have often found themselves in a cycle of rebuilding. Washington, on the other hand, has had more sustained periods of success, with three Super Bowl titles and a reputation for a stout defense. However, both teams share a consistent struggle with finding long-term stability at times, especially when it comes to quarterback play, coaching, and front-office decisions.

In the 1980s, the Lions and Commanders faced each other several times in pivotal matchups that would define both franchises. The era marked a high point for Washington, as the team boasted some of the most dominant rosters in the league, with Hall of Famers like John Riggins and Art Monk leading the charge. The Lions, meanwhile, were trying to establish their identity under the guidance of head coach Wayne Fontes, while also trying to give life to the arm of their star quarterback, Scott Mitchell.

Despite the stark contrast in success, their meetings in the ‘80s and ‘90s set the stage for a series of storylines that would play out for years to come. These games were often hard-fought, with fans of both sides hoping to see their teams overcome their respective challenges.

The Player Connection: Friendships and Former Teammates

One of the most enduring aspects of the Lions-Commanders connection can be found in the friendships and bonds formed between players. These players may have competed against each other on Sundays, but off the field, the NFL is a tight-knit community where former teammates often become lifelong friends. This phenomenon has been especially notable between Lions and Commanders players, who have frequently interacted throughout their careers.

For example, one notable connection can be seen through the friendship between former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders and Washington linebacker Wilber Marshall. Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, was often lauded for his humility and work ethic, traits that earned him the respect of his peers across the league. Marshall, known for his hard-hitting style of play and leadership on the field, found himself admiring Sanders’ incredible skill and elusiveness.

While they played for rival teams, Sanders and Marshall often spoke highly of one another in interviews, sharing mutual respect for each other’s abilities. Their friendship is a testament to the respect that exists in the NFL, regardless of team affiliation.

Other connections between the two teams also highlight how friendships can transcend rivalry. Former Lions cornerback Chris Houston, who played for Detroit from 2010 to 2013, crossed paths with his old teammates when he signed with the Commanders in 2015. Houston had become a well-known player during his time with the Lions and was praised for his ability to match up with elite wide receivers. His transition to Washington was a reminder that even in a sport as competitive as football, players often return to the same circles, meeting their former counterparts again on new turf.

The NFL is a small world in many ways, with many players finding themselves reuniting on the same roster after leaving a different team. Lions and Commanders veterans, once locked in fierce competition, frequently find themselves playing for the same goals, showcasing a more cooperative dynamic after their years of on-field combat.

The Front Office: Cross-Team Collaborations and Influence

While friendships between players are one thing, the ties between the front offices of the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders have also played a crucial role in shaping the teams’ fates over the years. The connection between the two franchises has been evident not just on the field, but in the boardrooms and war rooms where decisions are made about draft picks, free-agent signings, and coaching hires.

One of the most significant examples of this interconnection came in 2009 when the Lions and Commanders found themselves at the center of one of the most highly scrutinized draft scenarios in recent memory. Washington had the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, just one spot ahead of Detroit, and the Lions were rumored to be targeting a quarterback. Meanwhile, Washington had its own interest in a potential franchise quarterback. Ultimately, Detroit selected quarterback Matthew Stafford, while Washington chose to trade down, giving up their spot and selecting offensive lineman Trent Williams later in the first round.

That decision by Washington set off a series of cascading events that would affect both teams for years to come. Stafford, the Lions’ franchise signal-caller, would go on to break numerous team records and lead Detroit to its first playoff appearance in over a decade. Washington, meanwhile, would eventually find its own quarterback in later drafts, but the decision to trade down in 2009 proved to be a pivotal moment in both franchises’ rebuilding processes.

More recently, in 2020, Washington hired Ron Rivera as head coach, making a big splash in the NFL coaching carousel. Rivera, who had spent time as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, was widely respected as one of the league’s top defensive minds. His tenure in Washington was closely watched by Lions fans and executives alike, as both teams were trying to regain their footing and establish long-term stability. In fact, many of the principles that Rivera brought to Washington—discipline, strong leadership, and a focus on building a well-rounded team—were concepts that the Lions had tried to implement unsuccessfully in the past.

At the same time, the Lions were experiencing their own front-office shakeups, making moves to modernize their operations and bring in new talent. General manager Brad Holmes, hired in 2021, took a more analytical approach to player evaluation, looking for long-term solutions while also recognizing the need for immediate improvement. Although the two teams were in different phases of their respective rebuilds, the parallel moves in management reflected the shared desire to return to prominence in the NFC.

On the Field: Iconic Matchups and Rivalries

When it comes to the field of play, while the Lions and Commanders have never had a traditional rivalry like the NFC East vs. NFC North matchups, their games have often held significance for both teams. There have been key moments in recent seasons where these teams met at crucial junctures, affecting their playoff hopes and their overall standing in the NFC.

In 2015, for example, the Lions and Commanders faced off in a late-season game that was a must-win for both teams if they wanted to stay in playoff contention. The game was closely contested, but Detroit ultimately came out on top, with quarterback Matthew Stafford playing through an injured finger and leading the team to a thrilling 20-17 victory. The win was a morale booster for the Lions, who had been struggling throughout the season, while Washington’s loss put a damper on their postseason aspirations.

One of the more infamous meetings between the two teams occurred in 1991, when Washington—fresh off a Super Bowl victory the year before—was hosting the Lions in a game that would go on to define the season for both squads. Despite Washington’s dominance in the early ’90s, the Lions put together a stunning performance, with quarterback Erik Kramer leading a near-upset. Although Washington held on to win, the game demonstrated that the Lions were no pushovers, and they were capable of hanging with the NFC elite.