You’ve probably seen the video of a Detroit Lions fan crying tears of joy in the stands after his team finally ended a 32-year playoff drought, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 24-23 this past weekend. But the story behind Arron Wikaryasz’s viral reaction to the historic moment just might leave you in tears.
Tears in the Detroit crowd. What a moment. pic.twitter.com/mmzgdwHu2b
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
Detroit Lions Fan Arron Wikaryasz’s Story Is The Feel-Good Moment Of The Playoffs
In a heartwarming display of passion and dedication, Detroit Lions fan Arron Wikaryasz captured the hearts of football fans across the nation when he was caught on camera crying after his team’s historic playoff win.
Especially the hearts of many fans who have supported teams that haven’t had much success in recent memory.
For Aaron, the victory was not just about the game itself, but also a reflection of his memories of attending games with his late father, Joe.
@sarah.michals You know that viral video of a Detroit Lions fan crying in the stands when Detroit won their home playoff game Sunday? Well the story behind the tears is even better 🦁🤍. #detroitlions #detroit #fordfield #nfl ♬ original sound – sarah.michals
Wikaryasz’s dad brought him to Lions games during his childhood as season ticket holders.
“He got us season tickets in ’99. Two tickets, one for me and one for him. That was it, I was the only person he wanted to bring,” Wikaryasz told Fox 2 Detroit.
His father worked in and inspired Arron to join the ironworker trade, even assisting in building Ford Field. Two years after Ford Field became the home of the Detroit Lions, at the age of just 35, Joe was tragically killed in a car accident while coming home from work.
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Meant So Much To The People Of Detroit
It goes without saying that the victory meant so much to the people of Detroit. As evidenced by fans rocking Ford Field and setting a new stadium record for crowd noise.
For Arron though, it was everything. His father was buried in his Lions jersey. All of this background makes the fact that he felt Detroit’s win “wasn’t just a game to me” thoroughly understandable.
And it makes his viral moment that much more of a tearjerker.
“Thirty years without winning. There are a lot of people that aren’t here with us anymore that would have loved to have seen them win on Sunday,” he said. “And I think that’s where the emotion comes from.”
“My dad would’ve loved to have seen that.”
You've probably seen video Lions fan who went viral for crying tears of joy after the playoff win on Sunday.
— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) January 16, 2024
Our Sarah Michals caught up with him today, and you'll want to hear everything he had to say.
Arron Wikaryasz used to go to games with his dad, Joe, before his dad… pic.twitter.com/hgNfLpIWDL
It just doesn’t get any better than that. Cheers to you, Arron Wikaryasz. We’re sure your Dad was watching down over Ford Field and crying tears of happiness too.
