Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Balances Cowboys Loyalty With Growing Support for Lions

Before the Detroit Pistons secured a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham shifted the conversation from basketball to football. The 22-year-old guard, known for his poise and competitiveness on the court, spoke about his deep-rooted fandom for the Dallas Cowboys and his growing support for the Detroit Lions.

Cunningham has long been open about his loyalty to Dallas, a connection stemming from his childhood in Arlington, Texas. Yet his admiration for the Lions has also grown during his time in Michigan, creating a unique dual allegiance in two football-obsessed markets.

When asked whether he still believed the Cowboys could reach the Super Bowl, Cunningham was steadfast. At the same time, he expressed hope that the Lions—a team Detroit has rallied around this season—could also make the championship game, despite the obvious impossibility of both advancing.

Cunningham’s remarks arrived amid shifting NFL playoff races and a strong start to his own NBA season, adding a lighthearted off-court moment to a Pistons team enjoying early success.

1. Cunningham’s Football Allegiances

Cunningham’s connection to the Dallas Cowboys runs deep. Growing up in Arlington, he lived just miles from where the Cowboys play and dreamed of NFL success before ultimately choosing a basketball path. For years, he played quarterback and embraced the culture that surrounds one of football’s most visible franchises. That early exposure left a lasting impression. He frequently wears Cowboys gear, talks about the team’s playoff hopes, and attended last Thursday’s Cowboys–Lions matchup in person. His loyalty to Dallas has remained constant even as his basketball career has taken center stage. Asked by ClutchPoints reporter Eric Vincent whether he still believed in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl hopes, Cunningham didn’t hesitate. Every year feels like “Super Bowl or bust,” he said, though he also acknowledged the team’s inconsistent play. Still, Cunningham also pulled for Detroit, recognizing the Lions’ impressive season and the excitement they’ve brought to their fans. While both teams reaching the Super Bowl is impossible, he joked that “hopefully one of us” makes it.

2. NFL Context Behind Cunningham’s Comments

At the time of Cunningham’s remarks, the Cowboys sat at 6–6 and trailed the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Lions held an 8–5 record, pushing for position behind the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in a competitive division. Detroit’s 44–30 win over Dallas last Thursday only intensified Cunningham’s split loyalties. The Lions’ surge has created real optimism around a franchise long starved for postseason success, and Cunningham has embraced that local enthusiasm. Despite his long-standing Cowboys devotion, Cunningham has grown to genuinely respect the Lions’ direction and toughness. His appreciation for both teams has made him a rare dual supporter—a balancing act not many fans could attempt without scrutiny. His perspective reflects a broader understanding: while his heart remains tied to Dallas, Detroit has become his home, and backing the local team is part of integrating into the community.

3. Cunningham’s Own Success Amid Fandom

While he continues to keep an eye on the NFL playoff race, Cunningham has been busy delivering an elite start to the NBA season. The Pistons sit at 19–5 with the best record in the Eastern Conference, fueled in large part by Cunningham’s career-best production. The third-year guard is averaging 27.5 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game—numbers that place him firmly among early MVP candidates and All-Star frontrunners. His leadership, poise, and offensive creativity have helped transform Detroit into one of the league’s top emerging teams. Cunningham’s upbringing in Texas, combined with his embrace of Detroit, has helped him build fanbases in both regions. His admiration for the Cowboys hasn’t alienated him locally, in large part because he also shows genuine support for the Lions. As he continues to elevate the Pistons on the court, his down-to-earth engagement with NFL storylines adds another layer to his connection with fans in both Michigan and Texas.