Detroit Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp penned a heartfelt message sent via email to season-ticket holders on Tuesday afternoon, addressing the stunning end to their season in the divisional round.

After finishing with a franchise-best record of 15-2, securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and winning their second consecutive NFC North title, the Lions fell short Saturday in an upset loss to the No. 6-seeded Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

“This is not the letter I was hoping to write to you this year,” Hamp began. “It’s not the ending we wanted or were expecting. The fact of the matter is this: we had a great year, a record-setting season but fell short of our ultimate goal.”

Throughout most of the season, the Lions were the odds-on favorite to represent the NFC in this season’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. However, an inability to establish a rhythm on offense, coupled with five turnovers — one of which came after the result was effectively decided — sealed Detroit’s fate, ending their postseason run a round earlier than last season.

Sheila Ford Hamp, owner of the Detroit Lions located second from right, poses for a photograph with Martha Ford and family before the Detroit Lions take on the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 at Ford Field.Jake May | [email protected]

Hamp empathized with fans who will have a “difficult” time watching other teams pursue the Super Bowl as the Lions shift their focus to the future.

She emphasized that while changes are inevitable, the franchise’s commitment to delivering a championship to Detroit remains steadfast. Hamp also reminded fans of the team’s progress in recent years.

“I know the future will look different, and the team that brought us so much success this year will never be together again. Pieces will change, but we are confident in where we are going and more aligned than ever as to how we get there. One of the goals I set for our franchise was to create sustained success.

“The last two years have started that process. Back-to-back NFC North Division Championships and home playoff appearances are the type of successes that we envisioned, and we are on the path to continuing that.”

Below is Hamp’s letter in full:

Dear Lions Loyal Member,

This is not the letter I was hoping to write to you this year. It’s not the ending we wanted or were expecting. The fact of the matter is this: we had a great year, a record-setting season, but fell short of our ultimate goal.

What never falls short is your support. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support we have received from all of you, the city of Detroit, and the entire state of Michigan. Ford Field is a legitimate home-field advantage, and that is because of you. It also felt like you gave us a home-field advantage in most of the away stadiums we played in this year. We appreciate you more than you will ever know. Your support continues to fuel us toward bigger things.

I am proud of the year we had. I am proud of our players, our coaches, our personnel department, and our entire staff, because at the Lions, we live the One Pride concept and truly win and lose together.

I know this weekend was difficult, and the next few weeks will be hard to watch as other teams walk the path we envisioned, but please know that we have never been more motivated. I know the future will look different, and the team that brought us so much success this year will never be together again. Pieces will change, but we are confident in where we are going and more aligned than ever as to how we get there.

One of the goals I set for our franchise was to create sustained success. The last two years have started that process. Back-to-back NFC North Division Championships and home playoff appearances are the types of successes that we envisioned, and we are on the path to continuing that.

Thank you for your continued support, thank you for donning your Honolulu Blue, and thank you for continuing to be the driving force behind One Pride.

Go Lions! Sheila Hamp