Detroit Lions fans are celebrating in Munich ahead of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, using a social media post by the opposing team to fuel their playful rivalry.
The Patriots shared a video on X featuring head coach Mike Vrabel drinking from a beer stein, which “Lions fans are using as an opportunity to give New England a hard time,” according to Yahoo Sports.
The online reaction contrasted the quiet setting of the Patriots’ video with the boisterous atmosphere created by Detroit supporters at the Hofbräuhaus.
According to “Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News,” Lions fans packed the historic venue on Thursday to celebrate with team legends Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson.
One supporter shared the Patriots’ clip while noting the difference in energy, stating, “The difference to whatever this is and what the Lions and their fans are doing at the Hofbräuhaus is absolutely insane.”
Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp joined the festivities on Saturday and offered a playful jab at the Patriots’ limited local presence.
She remarked, “I was actually looking for Patriots fans today, just out of curiosity. I think I saw two,” per Detroit Sports Nation.
While the Patriots have organized several events throughout the city to engage their fanbase, as noted by “the official team website,” the Lions’ massive turnout has dominated the pregame narrative.
Head coach Dan Campbell previously labeled Detroit as “Germany’s team,” a sentiment his supporters have aimed to validate through their visible presence in Munich streets.
Although the pregame festivities will not impact the final score, the vocal fan base has ensured that the buildup to the matchup remains centered on the contrast between the two organizations’ celebrations.
The teams are scheduled to face each other on the field Sunday morning.