Trump tariffs, Lions’ exit, put damper on Windsor Super Bowl enjoyment

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A mix of anger over U.S. tariff threats and disappointment over the Detroit Lions earlier playoff exit may have put a bit of a damper on Super Bowl celebrations in Windsor, where some bars saw quieter-than-usual crowds.

“People from around here are heartbroken the Lions lost,” Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino told the Star Sunday.

“I think everyone expected to see the Lions in this game, and once the Lions lost, you kind of lost your taste for football, and you moved on. Today is a reminder of what could have been.

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“It’s like watching your ex-girlfriend dating another guy. It’s not something you want to see.”

Despite one of their best seasons in franchise history, the Detroit Lions fell short of making the Super Bowl after a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The most highly viewed football event of the year also arrived amid a 30-day pause on U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to levy 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports.

Despite the negotiated reprieve as Canada bulks up border security, Trump on Sunday announced that he would slap 25 per cent tariffs on all aluminum and steel imported from Canada and Mexico Monday.

The ongoing dispute with Canada’s neighbour and closest trading partner has prompted some Windsor residents to reconsider cross-border travel and buying American products.

However, one local bar owner told the Star he was unsure if that frustration would lead to fewer Canadians tuning in to the game Sunday.

“I think that sports, over the years, really brings people together,” Walkerville Brewery owner Mike Brkovich told the Star ahead of the big game.

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“It doesn’t separate people. Although it seems that a lot of Canadians are upset about vacationing in the U.S., shopping in the U.S., taking trips to the U.S., and instead really wanting to support local businesses buy Canadian.

“But I still think Windsor, especially because we’re so close to Detroit, and all of the anticipation and the excitement that the Lions created, there’s going to be a good turnout.”

Agostino said plans for a Super Bowl viewing party in Windsor were shelved after the Lions’ elimination during the divisional round.

In a mostly lopsided match, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the Super Bowl LIX title with a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

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