Detroit Lions Superfan, Paul Jan Gorzelewski, Has His Tickets Revoked Amid Controversy Over Ticket Resale Practices
In an unexpected move, the Detroit Lions have revoked the season tickets of one of their most passionate and dedicated fans, Paul Jan Gorzelewski, a 25-year season ticket holder. Gorzelewski, a lifelong Lions supporter from Sterling Heights who now resides in Philadelphia, has become a familiar figure at both home and away games. His commitment to the team is undeniable, but the decision by the Lions to revoke his tickets has stirred a broader conversation about the increasing scrutiny NFL teams are placing on their season ticket holders and the secondary ticket market.
Gorzelewski, who goes by the handle @polka.boy_lions on social media, has built a reputation for his unwavering support of the Detroit Lions. His social media presence and his attendance at games over the years have made him a beloved figure in the Lions’ fanbase. However, his love for the team and his dedication to attending games have come with significant costs, both financially and emotionally.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Lions
Born and raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Paul Gorzelewski’s relationship with the Detroit Lions dates back to his early childhood. His passion for the team is evident not just in his words but in his actions. Gorzelewski has held season tickets for an incredible 25 years, a commitment that has allowed him to attend numerous games at Ford Field, as well as most of the Lions’ away games across the country. His seats, located in the corner endzone at Ford Field (row 16), became a familiar sight for fellow fans.
Despite his devotion, Gorzelewski made a decision that would ultimately lead to his tickets being revoked by the team—he began selling a portion of his season tickets in order to fund the purchase of more desirable front-row seats. Gorzelewski has openly admitted to this practice, acknowledging that it violates the Lions’ ticket policies. However, the context surrounding this decision highlights a larger issue that has sparked debate within the Lions’ fanbase and the broader NFL community.
The Costs of Being a Superfan
Attending every game—home and away—comes with a hefty price tag. For Gorzelewski, the financial burden of supporting his beloved Lions is enormous. In 2024 alone, he spent a staggering $55,000 to attend the majority of the team’s games. This figure includes not only the cost of tickets but also expenses for flights, hotel rooms, meals, drinks, and, of course, merchandise. As a resident of Philadelphia, the cost of traveling to Detroit and other cities across the country to support the Lions quickly adds up.
To help offset these significant expenses, Gorzelewski sold eight of his season tickets—tickets that were located in the corner endzone section of Ford Field. By doing so, he was able to recoup some of the money spent on attending games and traveling. This practice, while common among some season ticket holders, has raised concerns within the NFL, as teams have become more focused on controlling the resale of tickets.
Violating Ticket Policies: A Gray Area?
The Detroit Lions, like many other NFL teams, have policies in place that prohibit the resale of season tickets on the secondary market, especially when tickets are sold for more than their face value. While Gorzelewski acknowledges that selling his tickets in this manner violates the team’s rules, he points out that he was doing so during a time when the Lions were struggling to fill seats in the stadium. As Gorzelewski recalls, there was a time when the Lions organization was actively encouraging fans to purchase tickets, even if it meant selling them on the secondary market.
“I’ve been doing this for years when the team wasn’t very good, and the club was begging for people to buy tickets,” Gorzelewski explained. “Back then, it seemed like the organization was more focused on filling the stadium and getting fans in the door, regardless of how those tickets were being sold. Now, the team is doing everything they can to maximize profits, and it seems like they are cracking down on fans like me who’ve been loyal for decades.”
This sentiment reflects a broader trend within the NFL and other professional sports leagues. Teams are increasingly looking to profit from every aspect of the game, including ticket sales. As secondary ticket markets like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats have gained prominence, teams are focusing on reducing the number of tickets that make their way to these platforms. The proliferation of resale tickets has led to a growing concern over inflated ticket prices, with some fans finding it difficult to afford attending games due to the markups imposed by resellers.
While it’s clear that Gorzelewski’s actions violated the Lions’ ticket policy, the circumstances surrounding his decision to sell his tickets may warrant a closer examination. Gorzelewski’s long history with the team, his financial commitment to attending games, and his willingness to invest in better seats suggest that his motivations were not driven solely by financial gain. Instead, they reflect the challenges faced by dedicated fans who wish to support their team but find it difficult to bear the full cost of attending every game.
The Shift Toward Greater Ticket Scrutiny
The decision by the Detroit Lions to revoke Gorzelewski’s tickets is not an isolated incident. Many NFL teams are beginning to take a closer look at the practices of their season ticket holders. The primary goal of this increased scrutiny is to ensure that teams maximize their profits while minimizing the number of tickets that are sold on the secondary market. This is particularly important as the NFL continues to experience significant financial growth, with revenue generated from ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights reaching record levels.
While this shift toward greater ticket scrutiny is understandable from a business perspective, it raises important questions about the relationship between teams and their fans. Should loyal fans who have supported their team for decades be punished for trying to offset the costs of attending games? Is it fair to revoke the tickets of superfans who have contributed significantly to the team’s atmosphere and culture, even if they have violated ticket policies?
These questions are complicated, and there is no easy answer. On one hand, teams like the Lions have the right to enforce their ticket policies and ensure that their revenue streams are protected. On the other hand, there is a sense of betrayal among fans who feel that their loyalty and passion for the team should be valued above strict adherence to ticketing rules.
The Need for Dialogue and Understanding
In the case of Paul Gorzelewski, it appears that the Lions acted swiftly and decisively in revoking his tickets without offering an opportunity for dialogue or understanding. Gorzelewski has expressed disappointment with the lack of communication from the team, stating that he would have appreciated the chance to explain his situation and discuss potential alternatives.
“I understand that I violated the ticket policy, but I wish the team had at least given me the chance to have a conversation about it before making such a drastic decision,” Gorzelewski said. “I’ve been a season ticket holder for 25 years. I would have hoped that there would be some consideration for my history with the team and my commitment to supporting them.”
This lack of communication has left many fans questioning whether the Lions are prioritizing revenue over their relationship with long-time supporters. Gorzelewski’s case highlights the need for NFL teams to find a balance between enforcing ticket policies and maintaining a connection with their fanbase. After all, it is the passionate fans like Gorzelewski who contribute to the energy and atmosphere that make NFL games such a unique experience.
The Future of the Front Row
As for Gorzelewski, the immediate future remains uncertain. While it’s clear that he won’t be sitting in the corner endzone seats at Ford Field in 2025, the question remains whether he will have the opportunity to attend future Lions games at all. As a fan who has spent thousands of dollars to support the team both at home and on the road, Gorzelewski’s exclusion from the Lions’ fanbase raises concerns about the way teams are handling their most dedicated supporters.
One thing is clear: the situation involving Paul Jan Gorzelewski serves as a microcosm of the larger challenges faced by NFL teams and their fans in today’s ticketing landscape. As the league continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how teams navigate the delicate balance between maximizing profits and maintaining the loyalty of their fans.
For now, the Lions’ decision to revoke Gorzelewski’s tickets serves as a stark reminder that even the most devoted superfans can find themselves on the outside looking in when ticket policies and business practices take precedence over fan relationships. While we may not see Gorzelewski in the front row next season, one thing is certain: his passion for the Detroit Lions will remain unwavering, regardless of the outcome.
