Detroit Lions Family Forever: Team Donates $100,000 After Fan Passes Away During Game at Ford Field
In a moment that reminded everyone why Detroit bleeds Honolulu Blue, a lifelong Lions supporter tragically passed away in the stands of Ford Field on Sunday night during the team’s 38-17 victory over the New York Giants, turning a night of celebration into one of profound sorrow and unbreakable solidarity.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter when the 64-year-old season-ticket holder from Livonia suffered a sudden medical emergency in Section 122.
Despite immediate response from Ford Field medical staff and fellow fans performing CPR until paramedics arrived, the man, identified by family as Michael “Mikey” Kowalski, could not be revived. The game continued as medical personnel worked heroically, but the news spread quietly through the stadium like a chill wind.
Within minutes of the final whistle, Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp, team president Rod Wood, and head coach Dan Campbell left the locker room celebration and went straight to the family.
Still in their game-day attire, they met Mikey’s wife, two sons, and daughter in a private area beneath the stands. Witnesses say Campbell, voice breaking, told them, “He was one of us. He’s family. We’ve got you.” Sheila Hamp embraced Mikey’s widow for several minutes while the family wept.
On Monday morning, the Detroit Lions organization announced a $100,000 donation to the Kowalski family to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and any additional needs.
The team also established the “Mikey Kowalski Memorial Fund” in partnership with the Lions Foundation, pledging to match every fan donation dollar-for-dollar up to another $100,000. By Monday evening, fans had already pushed the total past $187,000.
The Lions released a statement that read, in part: “Michael was more than a fan; he was part of the heartbeat of this franchise for over forty years. His seat will remain empty for the rest of the season in his honor, draped in a Honolulu Blue jersey with his name on it. The Ford Field family mourns with the Kowalski family, and we will carry Mikey’s spirit with us every Sunday.”
A permanent plaque will be placed on his seat after the season.
Players and staff reacted with raw emotion.
Aidan Hutchinson posted a photo of Mikey’s season-ticket holder badge with the caption “We played the 4th quarter for you, brother.” Penei Sewell cried openly during Monday’s film session when the news was shared. Even opposing players joined in: Giants running back Saquon Barkley sent flowers and a handwritten note saying, “Your husband’s passion inspired us all.”
Ford Field observed a moment of silence before Thursday night’s game, with 65,000 fans standing in quiet tribute while Mikey’s family was honored on the field. When the jumbotron showed his smiling face, the roar turned to tears, then back to the loudest “Let’s Go Lions!” chant of the year.
Mikey Kowalski didn’t get to see the final whistle.
But in the hours, days, and decades to come,
every roar inside Ford Field will carry his name.
Because once you’re Lions family,
you’re family forever.
Rest easy, Mikey.
The pride never dies.
