The Lions delivered the city of Detroit an early Christmas gift. 

The team’s first division title in 30 years.  

The Lions clinched the NFC North on Christmas Eve in a 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Jarred Goff completed 30 of his 40 pass attempts along with a touchdown throw and Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for two touchdowns of his own in the historic win. 

Things around the NFL and the world changed quite a bit in the 30 years since the Lions last won their division. 

Even the name has changed, with the Lions’ division being known as the NFC Central when they won it back in 1993. Detroit’s current starting QB wasn’t even born yet the last time the Lions had won their division. 

“It’s pretty exciting man, it really is,” Goff told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero after the victory. “It’s been a lot of hard work. A long time coming. We have a special group man, we really do. This was hard-fought. It wasn’t pretty there at the end, but we got it done.” 

The Vikings nipped at the Lions’ heels the entire afternoon until Minnesota took a 21-17 lead early in the third quarter off a K.J. Osborn touchdown reception. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown scored the go-ahead touchdown for the Lions with 4:38 left in the third and Gibbs’ second rushing touchdown of the day gave Detroit some cushioning. 

Lions corner Ifeatu Melifonwu picked off Vikings QB Nick Mullens at the five-yard line with 49 seconds left to clinch the win and the division. 

In a video posted to the NFL’s official X account, Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had a simple message to the team’s fans after the win. 

“King of the North,” he shouted, referencing the hit HBO show Game of Thrones. “Let’s go. I love you guys. I love our fanbase and we’re going to keep this ship rolling too. Go Lions, one pride.”

The Lions are now guaranteed to host their first-ever playoff game at Ford Field. 

Detroit still has two games left on its schedule before that will help decide playoff matchups. The Lions will face the Cowboys and then have a rematch with the Vikings.