DETROIT -- Of the few Miami Dolphins fans waiting outside Ford Field on Saturday morning ahead of the preseason matchup with the Detroit Lions, Hunter Colden stood out.
Wearing a Tua Tagovailoa jersey, a Dolphins hat, and a matching chain, the 24-year-old didn’t have far to travel. He was born and raised in the 313.
Don’t get it twisted, though. Colden is also a Lions supporter, but his lifelong Dolphins fandom started as a kid out of rebellion.
“I got a (Aidan) Hutchinson jersey. I had a (Ndamukong) Suh jersey back in the day. I love the Lions because of my papa, but most of my family members were Tom Brady fans,” Colden told MLive. “I wanted to go against them, and when I was 11 years old, I saw the (Dolphins) colors and got hooked.”
At the time, Brady played for the New England Patriots, AFC East rivals of the Dolphins.
When asked for his prediction for Saturday’s preseason game, Colden said he expects a competitive matchup. Still, he’s picking the Dolphins to win 27-14, depending on how their defense performs.
“I went to the joint practice on Thursday. The Miami Dolphins looked really good; however, our defense didn’t look the greatest,” Colden said. “But again, we’re basing it off injuries. Still, I can’t use injuries as an excuse.
“The Detroit Lions last year had their defense hoarded with injuries, but they managed to get things done. Overall, I think it’s going to be a good game. I think it’s going to be close, but it depends on whether the Dolphins’ defense can get it done. If not, I’ll give it to the Lions.”
Colden attended the Lions’ joint practices with the Dolphins this week in Allen Park. He called the experience unique, even taking the chance to interact with players, including yelling to Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, “You should come to Miami.”
Still, as a Lions supporter, Colden said he has high expectations for Detroit this season as the team enters its fifth year under coach Dan Campbell and another run at its much-discussed Super Bowl window.
“My honest opinion -- I love the Lions. A lot of my family members are now Lions fans because of their success. It really depends on the chemistry with the new coaching staff,” Colden said. “Losing (former defensive coordinator) Aaron Glenn and (offensive coordinator) Ben Johnson hurt them last year, especially with Johnson interviewing for other teams.
“If they can click as a team with the new offensive and defensive coaches, I think they’ll win the (NFC) North again. However, if they don’t click, I might give it to the Packers. They’re looking really good. That doesn’t mean I don’t have the Lions in the Super Bowl, though. I think it might be a Bills–Lions Super Bowl.”
And Colden’s prediction if it’s Bills-Lions?
“If it’s Bills vs. Lions, you already know who I’m supporting. Go Lions,” Colden said. “The Bills are a poverty team: 0-4 in Super Bowls. We’ll make it 0-5 this year.”
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