Despite their dreadful record in recent years—and a half-century without a championship—the Lions continue to have a passionate fan base in Detroit.

Fans have vented their frustration with president Matt Millen by marching outside the stadium instead of simply staying away. The Lions have sold out every game since moving to Ford Field in 2002.

The Lions are top talk-radio chatter. Stories about them generate a ton of hits on local newspaper Web sites, even in the offseason.

Some are fed up and not coming back, but not many.

The renewal rate for season tickets is approaching 90 percent, according to chief operating officer Tom Lewand, even though the Lions have gone 31-81 over the past seven seasons and just raised prices for most tickets.