Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand, and nobody knows that better than the Detroit Lions. Since 1934, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day, making it a long-standing tradition for football fans across the country. But what do the statistics say about the Lions' performance on this special holiday? In this article, we'll take a look back at the numbers and see what they have to say.
But before we dive into the stats, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of Thanksgiving Day football in Detroit. For many fans, attending the game at Ford Field or watching it on TV is a cherished tradition that brings together family, friends, and football. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day every year except during World War II, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down.
The Early Years
The Lions' first Thanksgiving Day game was in 1934, when they played the Chicago Bears. It was a success, with over 26,000 fans in attendance at the University of Detroit Stadium. From there, the tradition took off, and the Lions continued to play on Thanksgiving Day every year.
In the early years, the Lions had mixed success on Thanksgiving Day. They won their first six games, but then went on a losing streak that lasted until 1948. During this time, they also played multiple games on Thanksgiving Day, sometimes facing off against two different opponents in the same day. Despite the ups and downs, the Lions continued to draw large crowds, and Thanksgiving Day football became a beloved tradition in Detroit.
The Barry Sanders Era
In the 1990s, the Lions enjoyed a period of success on Thanksgiving Day thanks in large part to their star running back, Barry Sanders. From 1990 to 1998, the Lions won nine out of ten Thanksgiving Day games, with Sanders often delivering standout performances. In 1997, for example, he rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Chicago Bears.
During this time, the Lions became known for their impressive Thanksgiving Day performances, and fans across the country tuned in to watch Sanders and the team. In 1998, the Lions played their first Thanksgiving Day game at the newly-built Ford Field, cementing the tradition for years to come.
The Modern Era
In recent years, the Lions' Thanksgiving Day performances have been more mixed. From 2013 to 2016, they won four consecutive games, including a memorable comeback win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. However, in 2017 and 2018, they suffered blowout losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, respectively.
Despite the recent ups and downs, Thanksgiving Day football remains a beloved tradition in Detroit, and the Lions continue to draw large crowds to Ford Field. Whether they win or lose, fans come out to celebrate the holiday and cheer on their team.
The Numbers
So, what do the statistics say about the Lions' Thanksgiving Day performances? Overall, the team has a record of 37-42-2 on Thanksgiving Day, with a win percentage of .470. However, there are a few standout performances worth noting:
Most Rushing Yards in a Game:
Barry Sanders holds the record for most rushing yards in a Thanksgiving Day game, with 167 yards against the Chicago Bears in 1997.
Most Receiving Yards in a Game:
Yancey Thigpen holds the record for most receiving yards in a Thanksgiving Day game, with 237 yards against the Detroit Lions in 1997.
Most Touchdowns in a Game:
Barry Sanders and Bob Hoernschemeyer are tied for the record for most touchdowns in a Thanksgiving Day game, with three each.
Most Wins:
The Dallas Cowboys hold the record for most wins on Thanksgiving Day, with a record of 31-20-1. The Lions are second with 37 wins.
Most Appearances:
The Detroit Lions hold the record for most appearances on Thanksgiving Day, with 79 games played.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day tradition is a beloved part of football history, and the statistics show that the team has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. From the early years of multiple games in one day to Barry Sanders' standout performances in the 1990s, the Lions have left their mark on Thanksgiving Day football. And win or lose, fans will continue to gather together to celebrate the holiday and cheer on their team.
Komentar
Posting Komentar