Lions unveil new ‘Defend the Den’ uniforms for rivalry matchup

After teasing it for several weeks, the Detroit Lions’ new threads are finally here.

The team has launched its new “Defend the Den” uniforms as part of the NFL and Nike’s “Rivalries” program. The Lions will wear them during their Nov. 1 home game at Ford Field against the Minnesota Vikings, the first of two matchups that season.

This is the first new uniform set since the complete overhaul before the 2024 season, which brought in the “Motor City Muscle” (MCM) black uniforms.

The new jerseys keep some features from the MCM design, like the Honolulu Blue and Black helmet, but now include new carbon-fiber decals as a tribute to Detroit’s car and racing heritage. The inside collar shows the “Defend the Den” slogan.

The shoulders have Honolulu blue and black accents that, according to the team’s website, are meant to “mimic the intense gaze of a Lion as it locks on to its prey with unwavering focus.” The pants stripe also follows this theme.

The front of the jersey features a “Detroit” emblem across the chest along with italicized jersey numbers.

To go with the release, the Lions shared a trailer just over a minute long. It features Lions legend and Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, as well as players Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Alim McNeil, and Penei Sewell.

The team’s Instagram account has photos from the promotional shoot, showing Williams with Detroit native and Grammy-nominated artist Big Sean, as well as 2025 Detroit Lions Fan of the Year Kyla Wright.

Fans can buy the new jerseys at a Lions pop-up shop at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.