The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Lions have worn various shades of blue throughout their history, originally wearing a lighter “Honolulu blue” and more recently adopting a darker “Oxford blue.”
History of the Detroit Lions’ Colors
The Detroit Lions began play in 1930 as one of the early professional football teams. They were originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and known as the Spartans, wearing cherry red and black uniforms. In 1934, the team moved to Detroit and was purchased by George A. Richards, owner of Detroit radio station WJR. Richards changed the team’s name to the Lions and their colors to Honolulu blue and silver.
The Honolulu blue was a pale blue color, inspired by the blue waters of the Pacific. It represented Richards’ radio station WJR’s ability to broadcast across the country to Honolulu, Hawaii. The Lions have worn some variation of blue ever since, aside from a brief experiment with maroon jerseys from 1948-1949.
In 1970, the Lions made their blue color darker, changing over to a shade dubbed “Oxford blue.” This color remains the Lions’ primary uniform color today. It is a rich, bold blue that provides high contrast against the silver/gray pants and helmets.
Official Hex Codes for Detroit Lions Blue
The specific shades of blue used by the Detroit Lions over the years can be identified by their official hex color codes:
- Original Honolulu Blue: #00539B
- Oxford Blue (1970-2008): #041E42
- New Oxford Blue (2009-present): #092C5C
These hex codes define the precise mixture of red, green, and blue light that make up each color. #00539B is a lighter, brighter blue while #092C5C is darker and more saturated.
Comparison of Lions Blue Shades
Here is a visual comparison of the two main shades of Detroit Lions blue:
| Shade | Hex Code | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Original Honolulu Blue | #00539B | |
| New Oxford Blue | #092C5C |
As you can see, Honolulu blue is much lighter while the modern Oxford blue is deeper and darker. The Oxford blue stands out more against the silver/gray uniforms.
When the Lions Wear Blue Jerseys
The Detroit Lions typically wear blue jerseys paired with silver/gray pants for their home games. The blue jerseys are considered their primary, traditional uniforms.
For away games, the Lions will wear white jerseys with either blue or gray pants. Their alternate third jersey is the popular “Throwback” uniform – a replica of the Lions’ 1950s jersey with silver numbers/letters and no lion logo on the sleeves.
In recent years, the NFL has also introduced “Color Rush” alternate uniforms on Thursday Night Football. The Lions’ Color Rush uniform is entirely Honolulu blue – jersey, pants, socks, and shoes. It pays tribute to the original lighter blue shade in franchise history.
Blue Throughout Lions Branding and Logos
Beyond just the players’ jerseys, blue is an integral part of the Detroit Lions’ complete visual brand and identity. Their official team colors are Honolulu blue, silver, black, and white.
The logo on the Lions’ helmets features a light silver lion outlined in blue. Their sleeve striping patterns incorporate black, silver, and blue. The end zone paint at Ford Field is colored with large Honolulu blue “Lions” text outlined in white.
No matter where it appears, Honolulu or Oxford blue is always present representing the Detroit Lions. After 90+ years, it has become an iconic color linked uniquely to the franchise.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions proudly wear two distinct shades of blue – the lighter original Honolulu blue and the darker modern Oxford blue. Both colors connect the current team to its enduring identity and rich history. For Lions players and fans, Honolulu and Oxford blue represent the heart of this team’s spirit and tradition.
