Thanksgiving in America is a time for food, family, and football. For the last 90 years, the Detroit Lions have been a staple of Thanksgiving day football. No matter how the team is doing that year, they always take the field on Thanksgiving, ready to play. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving day, their records, and what makes this tradition so special.
The Early Years
The Detroit Lions first played on Thanksgiving day in 1934. The game was against the Chicago Bears, and it was broadcast on NBC radio. The game was a success, with over 26,000 fans in attendance. The Lions lost the game 19-16, but they had started a tradition that would last for decades.
In the early years, the Lions did not have much success on Thanksgiving day. From 1934 to 1944, the team had a record of 1 win, 8 losses, and 1 tie. The team struggled during this time, but they never gave up on playing on Thanksgiving day. In 1945, the Lions started a new tradition that would help turn their fortunes around.
The Thanksgiving Classic
In 1945, the Lions started playing an annual Thanksgiving day game against the Green Bay Packers. This game became known as the Thanksgiving Classic, and it was a huge success. The game was always sold out, and it helped to establish the Lions as a Thanksgiving day tradition.
The Lions had much more success in the Thanksgiving Classic than they did in the early years. From 1945 to 1963, the Lions had a record of 9 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie. They won the game in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1962, and 1963. The Thanksgiving Classic was a big reason why the Lions became known as a Thanksgiving day tradition.
The Modern Era
In the modern era, the Lions have continued to play on Thanksgiving day. They have had some success, but they have also had some down years. From 1964 to 2019, the Lions had a record of 37 wins, 40 losses, and 2 ties. They have won the game in 1970, 1980, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2013, and 2016.
The Lions have had some memorable moments on Thanksgiving day in the modern era. In 1993, Barry Sanders rushed for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns in a win over the Bears. In 1998, the Lions came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Steelers 19-16. In 2012, the Lions lost to the Texans in overtime, but it was the first time that two brothers (Jim and John Harbaugh) had coached against each other in an NFL game.
Why Thanksgiving Day Football is Special
Thanksgiving day football is special for a number of reasons. For one, it is a tradition that has been going on for almost a century. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving day every year since 1934, except for during World War II. The Dallas Cowboys have also played on Thanksgiving day every year since 1966.
Thanksgiving day football is also special because it is a time for families to come together and watch the game. Many families have a tradition of watching the Lions game every year on Thanksgiving day. It is a way for families to bond over football and food.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving day for almost a century. They have had some ups and downs over the years, but they have always been a part of this tradition. The Thanksgiving Classic helped to establish the Lions as a Thanksgiving day tradition, and the modern era has seen some memorable moments. Thanksgiving day football is special because it is a time for families to come together and watch the game. It is a tradition unlike any other, and it will continue to be a part of Thanksgiving day for years to come.
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