The Detroit Lions achieved a memorable comeback win against the Cleveland Browns on November 22, 2009, overcoming a deficit to win 38-37. This game is often highlighted as one of the most significant victories in Lions history.
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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions gets up after being injured against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 22, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. Interference was called on the pass play as time expired, giving the Lions one last play. The Lions came from behind to defeat the Browns 38-37. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Friday night, the Detroit Pistons made history. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the opening round of the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, the Pistons found themselves down 24 points in the second half. But then their defense locked in, Cade Cunningham took over, the Pistons came all the way back to force a Game 7 home in Detroit. Their 24-point comeback set the franchise record for biggest comeback in the postseason, and it was the largest comeback from a road team facing elimination since the 1996-97 season NBA season.
In short, it was a comeback win Pistons fans won’t forget anytime soon—especially if they end up winning Game 7 on Sunday.
That got me thinking: what about our Cardiac Cats?
The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of thrilling comeback victories, especially in the modern era. So today’s Question of the Day is:
My answer: Three immediately come to mind.
First is the iconic comeback win in Matthew Stafford’s rookie season against the Cleveland Browns. Most people only remember Stafford’s iconic game-winning drive that featured him throwing a touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew with a dislocated shoulder on an untimed down. What you may not remember from that game is Detroit was down 24-3…. IN THE FIRST QUARTER. The Lions would go on to outscore Cleveland 35-13 the rest of the way.
The Detroit Lions won the game against the Cleveland Browns with a score of 38-37.
The memorable comeback by the Detroit Lions against the Cleveland Browns occurred on November 22, 2009.
Matthew Stafford was the quarterback for the Detroit Lions during their famous comeback win against the Cleveland Browns.
The Lions' comeback against the Browns is significant as it showcased their resilience, overcoming a late-game deficit to secure a thrilling victory.
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Then there were a pair of comebacks against the Dallas Cowboys. In 2011, Detroit trailed 27-3 early in the second half. But a pair of huge plays the defense changed the trajectory of the game. Former Cowboy Bobby Carpenter kicked things off with a 34-yard pick six. Later in the quarter, Chris Houston added his own pick six. A pair of Calvin Johnson touchdowns later, and Detroit pulled off the miraculous upset.
Two years later, the Lions did it again in the Stafford fake spike game. While the Lions were never down by more than 10 points in this game, it’s the manner in which they came back that makes it memorable. The Cowboys kicked a field goal with 1:07 left to go up 30-24. That left the Lions with 80 yards to go, no timeouts left, and needing a touchdown to win the game. You all remember the rest:
What has been the most memorable Detroit Lions comeback victory that you can remember? Share you memories in the comment section below.