Every year, Thanksgiving Day brings families together to enjoy a delicious meal and watch some football. For over 80 years, the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears have been a staple of the Thanksgiving Day tradition. This classic rivalry has seen some of the greatest moments in football history, and it continues to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game. We'll explore some of the most memorable moments, the key players, and the impact this game has had on football fans across the country. So grab a turkey leg and settle in, because this is going to be a wild ride!
1934: The Birth of a Tradition
The Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game has been a Thanksgiving Day staple since 1934. That year, the Lions were still a young franchise, having been founded just five years earlier. The Bears, on the other hand, were already an established powerhouse, having won back-to-back NFL championships in 1932 and 1933.
The game was played at the University of Detroit Stadium, with the Lions coming out on top with a score of 19-16. This victory helped establish the Lions as a legitimate contender in the NFL and set the stage for what would become an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition.
1951: The Sneaker Game
The 1951 Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game is one of the most memorable in football history. The game was played in a blizzard, with the field covered in snow and ice. The Bears were leading 17-7 at halftime, but the Lions came out of the locker room with a secret weapon - sneakers.
While the Bears were slipping and sliding in their regular cleats, the Lions had switched to sneakers, which provided better traction on the icy field. The Lions mounted a comeback, scoring 24 unanswered points to win the game 24-17. The game became known as the "Sneaker Game" and is still talked about by football fans to this day.
1976: The First Overtime Game
The 1976 Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game was historic for another reason - it was the first Thanksgiving Day game to go into overtime. The game was a defensive battle, with neither team able to score a touchdown in regulation.
The game went into overtime tied at 6-6, and it was the Lions who came out on top, winning the game with a field goal. The game helped establish overtime as a thrilling way to end a football game, and it remains a part of the NFL today.
1993: Barry Sanders' Record-Breaking Run
Barry Sanders is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, and he had some of his greatest moments on Thanksgiving Day. In the 1993 Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game, Sanders had a run for the ages.
Early in the third quarter, Sanders took a handoff and ran 40 yards for a touchdown, breaking multiple tackles along the way. The run is still talked about today as one of the greatest in NFL history, and it helped cement Sanders' legacy as one of the all-time greats.
2015: Calvin Johnson's Record-Breaking Day
The 2015 Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game was a historic one for Calvin Johnson. The Lions wide receiver had a record-breaking day, catching 8 passes for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Johnson's performance helped the Lions win the game 34-17 and set a new Thanksgiving Day record for receiving yards. The game was a reminder of just how dominant Johnson was during his NFL career and how he was one of the most exciting players to watch on Thanksgiving Day.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Thanksgiving Day game is one of the most iconic traditions in football. From the birth of the rivalry in 1934 to Barry Sanders' record-breaking run in 1993 and beyond, this game has provided generations of football fans with unforgettable moments. Whether you're a Lions fan or a Bears fan, Thanksgiving Day just wouldn't be the same without this classic matchup.
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