CHICAGO -- When Jason Williamson saw a Detroit Lions fan bold enough to wear a cheese grater to the Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, he not only loved the gesture but was inspired to outdo it.
One could argue he accomplished that mission.
Knowing he and his son, Derrick, would attend the Week 16 Lions-Bears matchup at Soldier Field, the 57-year-old Portland, Michigan, native decided to create bear trap hats for himself, his son, and his son's two friends, Alec and Jordan, who joined them for Sunday's game.
"It took us a couple hours. Maybe an hour and a half apiece," Williamson told MLive when asked about the creative process. "Once the cheese grater one came out, I'm like, you know what, we're going to the Bears game. I can make a bear trap."
Williamson said the hats were made out of playmat foam, and the idea came to him quickly. For him, it became a fun father-son bonding moment as they crafted the hats while watching football games.
A Lions fan of 53 years, Williamson said Sunday's game marked his first time seeing the Lions play at Soldier Field. He shared that they drove to Michigan City and took the train into Chicago, which made for an easy trip.
Like most Lions fans, Williamson is concerned about the team's Super Bowl chances due to the slew of injuries on defense. Still, he appears to be one of the "real ones" Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell referenced earlier in the week. His faith in the team hasn't wavered.
"I think they're going to do well. I think they're going to win today (and) next week," Williamson said. "Minnesota's going to be tough, but I think we got that one, and we'll have a week to rest. So I'm excited for that one."