DETROIT – The Tuesday following the Detroit Lions’ Week 7 win over the Minnesota Vikings felt like any other day for Megan Stefanski – or so she thought.
She had left her job as a school librarian and gone to her family’s restaurant, Yooperman’s Bar and Grill in Goetzville, to meet a friend for drinks. Nothing extraordinary. But as soon as she walked through the doors, everything changed.
Detroit Lions mascot Roary, cheerleaders, members of the marketing team and even iconic Lions superfan Crack Man were waiting inside, holding up signs and cheering, “Congratulations!” You’re going to the Super Bowl!
The Lions had selected Stefanski as their 2024 Fan of the Year, kicking off what could best be described as a whirlwind experience. Since the announcement, her schedule has been filled with interviews, appearances, tailgates and more – all part of the fanfare surrounding her recognition as one of the team’s most dedicated supporters.
On Thursday, Stefanski was part of a group of die-hard Lions fans and social media influencers at a meet-and-greet with Detroit Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson. The event took place at the Shadow Gallery in Detroit’s Eastern Market, a fitting backdrop just hours before the Lions took on the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.
Stefanski took a moment to reflect with MLivesharing his thoughts on the surreal journey to the Super Bowl, his predictions for game day and what it would mean to see the Lions make history by playing in the NFL’s biggest game.
You’re already headed to the Super Bowl, but how much nicer would it be if the Lions were the team playing there?
I’ve dreamed of it all my life. It’s… We took over New Orleans last December (for week 13). If it’s the Super Bowl, it’ll be all the Lions fans around the world.
Tonight’s game is an important one against the division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. This won’t necessarily decide the division, but it’s crucial for rankings. How do you feel about this?
It’s football that you have to win, and the guys know it. And nothing has stopped them until now. They know what they have to do and how many matches they have to play. So I don’t think anything can stop us. Nothing.
Who do you think will make the biggest difference in tonight’s game, both offensively and defensively?
I think the boys (David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs) will show up. You’re going to see Sonic and Knuckles go at it today. I think Ben Johnson is going to come up with some fun stuff. And our defense? These new guys, they’re ready to go to WAR for (defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn). They’ll just come in (and) they don’t need any games. They’re just going to run and blitz like crazy.
The Lions have 13 defensive players on injured reserve. Does this worry you at all?
I mean, he’s not the best, but we have so much depth that I think he’s just the next man up. They are all ready to go.
What about Green Bay? Is there anything about their offense or defense that concerns you?
No, I mean, yes, they are ready to win. Every team is ready to win. But I think home field advantage is going to be huge for us today. You know, we’re basically the 12th man. Seattle (Seahawks fans) have always claimed it, just like Dallas (Cowboys) have claimed to be America’s team. But no one wants it more than Detroit right now. It makes a big difference.
What is your score prediction for the game?
I think we’ll get (several) hits on them. I think we’ll give up one, maybe two, but maybe 42-18.
42-18? This is a big problem!
I think they will score points. Ben Johnson is ready to play today.
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