
Michigan
Inducted:
Captain: Willie “BigBlu” Murray, Taylor Murray, Brad “B-rad” Totten
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Willie “BigBlu” Murray, Taylor Murray, Brad “B-rad” Totten
Willie “BigBlu” Murray, his wife Taylor Murray, and Brad “B‑Rad” Totten lead The Blue Crew with heart, humor, and hometown pride. BigBlu commands the lot with bold energy and deep-rooted Lions loyalty. Taylor brings warmth and hospitality from behind the bar, making every guest feel like family. B‑Rad rounds out the team with steady leadership and a whatever-it-takes attitude. Together, they create a tight-knit tailgating family that captures the grit, grind, and soul of Detroit fandom.
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On Sunday mornings in Detroit, when the city’s skyline is still hazy from the previous night and the scent of burning coals and sweet smoke begins to fill the air, Eastern Market transforms. The produce stalls and open-air sheds of the city’s historic marketplace give way to tents, trailers, grills, and boom boxes blasting Motown classics and Detroit rap. Amid this electric atmosphere, just steps from Ford Field, you’ll find The Blue Crew—a roaring, rowdy, all-heart Lions tailgate family that turns every home game into a celebration of football, friendship, and Motor City pride.
Founded in 2014 by Willie “BigBlu” Murray, The Blue Crew got its start the way many great tailgates do: out of the back of a pickup truck with a cheap grill and big dreams. What began as a modest operation—hot dogs, a cooler of beer, and a love for Detroit football—soon snowballed into a full-blown tailgate spectacle. BigBlu didn’t just upgrade his grill; he upgraded the whole experience. An old motorhome from Craigslist became the group’s first mobile headquarters, wrapped in Lions colors and loaded with everything a proper tailgate needs. Today, the Crew rolls in with a limo bus, a 12-foot trailer, and enough gear to set up a full bar, PA system, grills, fryers, and serving stations—all within 30 minutes.
And then, the party begins.
From Krew-Aid shots served by Willie’s wife, Taylor Murray, to the booming music that echoes off the brick walls of nearby market buildings, the Blue Crew brings the fire—sometimes literally (watch out for the Fireball!). They tailgate hard, and they cheer harder. And win or lose, they stay until the final second on the game clock—00:00—no exceptions.
But the Blue Crew is more than just sizzle and sound. It's a tight-knit community that’s as welcoming as it is passionate. Their spot, right next to fellow Hall of Famers The Tubgaters, has become a hub for fans from across the NFL—opposing fans included. Whether you're from Royal Oak or Rochester Hills, Toledo or Toronto, you're welcome at The Blue Crew table. Come hungry, come loud, and don’t forget your Lions gear.
This tailgate family spans generations, with regulars aged 7 to 80. Some fans fly in from out of state—or even overseas. One member makes the trek from the United Kingdom multiple times each season. On Thanksgiving, they throw a massive pre-game feast at Eastern Market before heading home to “Second Thanksgiving” with their families. These are traditions born of loyalty, forged in hardship, and celebrated with joy—the kind of rituals that carry you through decades of losing seasons and heartbreaks.
It’s no secret that Detroit Lions fans have endured more than most. No Super Bowl appearances. One playoff win since 1957. And yet, Lions fans are some of the most faithful, hopeful, and unified in all of sports. The Blue Crew embodies that spirit. Their resilience has even been immortalized in the 2023 documentary, “Roar in the D: A Fan Story,” which showcases the fire and fellowship of Lions fandom, with The Blue Crew center stage. As Karen Johnson of Yellow Flag Creative Group—herself a longtime Crew member—puts it, “You see a whole different side of craziness and funniness and goodness. People that really enjoy each other and love each other.”
On any given Sunday, The Blue Crew turns the corner of Russell and Winder into a block party. They’ve hosted divisional tailgates, sponsored by national brands like Happy Dad Seltzers, complete with live DJs, celebrity guests, and unlimited food and drinks for guests. Their menus are nothing short of gourmet—smoked pork tacos, sloppy joes, fries, cookies, and everything in between.
But beyond the food and the music and the giveaways, what makes The Blue Crew special is the people. They’re the die-hards. The ones who stick with the team through every rebuild. The ones who show up before sunrise, even in the snow. The ones who high-five you after a third-down stop and hug you after a tough loss. They’re Detroit through and through—blue collar, big-hearted, and built for the long haul.
So if you’re in town for a game and want to experience Lions tailgating the way it was meant to be—raw, real, and roaring with pride—find your way to Eastern Market. Look for the bar, the bus, and the blue. And when you find The Blue Crew, tell 'em you’re family. Because if you're a fan of football, fellowship, and one hell of a tailgate, you already are.