Following the failure of the Detroit Heralds and Detroit Tigers in the first two seasons of the APFA, the motor city would get another NFL team in 1925 when Quarterback Jimmy Conzelman formed the Detroit Panthers. Like the Heralds/Tigers the Panthers played at Navin Field home of baseball's Detroit Tigers.

The Panthers started strong beating the Columbus Tigers 7-0 on September 27th. The Panthers played well early in the season led by Conzelman who was the top passer in the league, along with a strong defense as they went unbeaten in their first eight games, with six wins along with scoreless ties against the Chicago Bears and Akron Pros.

The Panthers even won the first Wednesday Game in NFL history, beating the Cleveland Bulldogs 22-13 on Veteran's Day at Navin Field. The Panthers remained at the top of the NFL standings despite 14-0 loss to the Chicago Bears, as they rebounded to beat the Rochester Jeffersons a week later 20-0.

However, any hopes of winning the NFL Championship would vanish with a 6-3 home loss to the lowly Rock Island Independents on Thanksgiving. The Panthers would play just one more game, beating the Bears at Navin Field 21-0 on December 12th to finish the season with a record of 8-2-2 good enough for third place behind the Chicago Cardinals and Pottsville Maroons who finished on top with each claiming the championship.