Vote for Detroit Lions fan to become the NFL 2023 Fan of the Year
(CBS DETROIT) - A Detroit Lions super fan needs your help to become the NFL's 2023 Fan of the Year.
Lifelong Lions fan Robert Gonzalez is up for the title. Stepping into his basement, it's clear how much he loves the team.
"I've been a Lions fan over 50 years," Gonzalez said.
The basement is filled with signed jerseys and footballs. It even has seats, signs, and turf from the Pontiac Silverdome.
Gonzales has been a Lions season ticket holder since 1990. The team has been with him through it all.
"I lost a son in 2013. It was like 10 days after he passed. There was a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens. And I wasn't going to go, I wasn't going to go. And all my friends talked me into going, and I went," Gonzalez said. "And the Lions actually presented me, on the field, with that game ball in honor of my son. So, to me, that is the most special thing in this room."
He has passed his Detroit Lions passion to his children and eight grandchildren.
"I'm just trying to be the next generation," said his grandson, James Gonzales
At Ford Field, Gonzales is known as "Lion Eyes." He can be seen hyping up the crowd and passing out necklaces to young fans.
His dedication earned him the title of Detroit Lions Fan of the Year, but now he needs the Lions community to send him all the way and become the NFL 2023 Fan of the Year.
"I don't feel any different than any other fan in the league. I mean, our fan base is so amazing," he said.
Gonzales said while winning NFL Fan of the Year would be an honor, he'd trade it all for his team to get that big win.
"My life-long dream is to see our team in the Superbowl. And that's going to happen this year; it's going to happen."
Voting is open through Feb. 7.