An office secretary.
The picture that comes to mind is a lady who sits at her desk greeting people at the door, answering the phone and tracking attendance.
Now erase that picture.
Paint over it with the image of a raging Lions fan wearing Honolulu blue while sitting in the stands of Ford Field every Sunday.
Julie Weiland is one of the office secretaries but also a diehard Detroit Lions fan. Weiland was born and raised in Detroit and has always supported the Lions, the Tigers and the Pistons. In 2020, her love for the Lions grew when the franchise hired head coach Dan Campbell. Since the hire, she began attending games. Weiland attended eight home games, one preseason game and one away game throughout the 2024-2025 season. She thrives off of the energy that comes with attending games in person.
“I enjoy the atmosphere of the stadium and the crowds. It is more fun for me to watch the game at the stadium than on my couch,” Weiland said.
The city of Detroit has been completely transformed since the Lions began winning games. This transformation led to a broken record. In 2024 the NFL Draft was hosted in Detroit. 775,000 people attended the Draft in Detroit. A new record was set for the most people in attendance at the NFL Draft. Weiland was one of those people in attendance.
“It was so much fun to attend, meet people, and see the new players,” Weiland said.
Even though the Lions struggled with injuries throughout the season, they continued to win games. Weiland believes that injuries were never an excuse for them. With nearly two dozen players injured, including notable starters Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, the Lions still finished with a 15-2 record.
Weiland tries her best to demonstrate this tenacity and grit throughout her job every single day. Weiland strives to be the person who encourages students to keep trying, helps students achieve their goals, and is the person students can talk through their challenges with even if she is dealing with her own struggles that day.
“Life is hard and not every day is all rainbows and butterflies, but no matter what kind of morning I am having, I always will stay positive for the students and staff. I believe it helps them have a better day,” Weiland said.
Weiland and her husband cheer on the Lions together. They even made a deal that if the Lions made it to the playoffs she would get a Lions tattoo. The Lions made it to the playoffs and she followed through with the deal, adding to the three other tattoos that she has.
“It is my favorite one. I love showing everyone,” Weiland said.
Jennifer Matthews, the school nurse, is also an avid Detroit Lions supporter. Weiland and Matthews attended three games together this past season.
“She took me to my first game and now I’m hooked,” Matthews said. “It’s always a good time when I get together with Julie. Detroit is a fun place to be, especially on game days.”
Weiland’s love for the Lions has not gone unnoticed. Junior Alecia Smith loves Weiland’s decorations in the office.
“She always has the office decorated very cute for the games and it’s more inviting when you go in there,” Smith said.
Weiland’s co-workers and bosses let her talk about the Detroit Lions whenever she wants to, and they even support her decorating the office when a big game is ahead. Weiland takes her love for the Lions with her wherever she goes. She knows she is very fortunate to have friends who support her passion and are right alongside her.
“I am 54 years old, and I have had the best time of my life the last three years,” Weiland said.
Over the last couple of years, Weiland found her spark. Watching and supporting the Lions has become a hobby that she will cherish forever.
“I wish everyone finds their thing that makes them as happy as the Detroit Lions make me,” Weiland said. “Life is too short to not enjoy the ride.”
