Rocket Cos. Inc. and the Detroit Lions today announced that the nonprofit Humble Design Detroit will receive at least $300 for every third-down stop by the Lions defense in the 2026-27 season.
The donations are part of Third Down Town, the tradition linking defensive stops to community giving. Each stop will help Humble Design Detroit furnish homes for Detroit families and veterans as they transition into stable housing.
Last season, the Lions’ 135 third-down stops generated a $42,255 donation to Connect 313. This year, Rocket is committing a total contribution of up to $50,000 to Humble Design by season’s end.
“Home is the foundation of everything we do at Rocket, and we believe in its role as a source of dignity, pride, and permanence,” says Doug Buser, vice president of sports and entertainment at Rocket in Detroit. “We’re proud to build on the Third Down Town tradition by partnering with Humble Design to help Detroit families furnish a home of their own.”
During games at Ford Field, the iconic “Motown, it’s third down” stadium call will cue fans to get loud, and those seated in the east and west ends zones raise their Third Down Town cards. Rocket-branded graphics will take over the video board and LED displays as the Lions defense tries to force a stop.
Humble Design Detroit serves families and veterans emerging from homelessness by transforming empty houses into personalized homes filled with comfort, dignity, and belonging.
Using donated furniture and household goods, the Humble team thoughtfully designs welcoming spaces and works alongside dedicated volunteers to furnish each home with the necessities needed to rebuild and thrive. Humble Design helps provide stability and creates lasting change across the community.
“Securing housing gives someone a place to live, but furnishing a home provides the foundation for stability and a brighter path forward,” says Chris Tull, executive director of Humble Design Detroit. “A bed to sleep in, a table to gather around, and rooms that reflect who they are help make it feel like home. Third Down Town gives Lions fans a new way to be part of this meaningful transformation, with each stop a part of the welcome.”
As the Official Homeownership Partner of the Detroit Lions, Rocket is deepening its commitment to Detroit through the new iteration of Third Down Town. Since 2010, Rocket and its team members have invested more than $24 million and 30,000 volunteer hours in veteran-focused causes, the same hometown commitment now powering Third Down Town.
Fans inspired to take the impact of Third Down Town beyond the game can join Rocket and the Lions in helping welcome more Detroiters home by donating furniture or household goods or registering to volunteer at humbledesign.org/detroit.
