Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. For the Detroit Lions, it's also a time to showcase their longstanding tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day. Since 1934, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day every year except during World War II. This article takes a closer look at the Detroit Lions T-Day record, exploring their history on this national holiday.
The Early Years: The Lions on T-Day in the 1930s and 1940s
The Detroit Lions' tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day started in 1934, when they faced off against the Chicago Bears at University of Detroit Stadium. In the early years, the Lions struggled to win on T-Day, losing their first five games. However, in 1945, the Lions defeated the Cleveland Rams 28-21 in their first T-Day victory. From there, the Lions went on to win three more T-Day games in the 1940s, including a 28-0 shutout of the Chicago Bears in 1948.
Barry Sanders and the 1990s: A Golden Age for the Lions on T-Day
In the 1990s, the Detroit Lions experienced a golden age on Thanksgiving Day. Led by running back Barry Sanders, the Lions won seven T-Day games in the decade, including four in a row from 1997-2000. Sanders himself put on some memorable performances on T-Day, including a 215-yard rushing game against the Chicago Bears in 1997. The Lions' success on T-Day in the 1990s helped solidify their reputation as one of the NFL's most recognizable franchises.
The Modern Era: The Lions on T-Day in the 2010s and Beyond
In recent years, the Detroit Lions have struggled to maintain their dominance on Thanksgiving Day. From 2011-2013, the Lions lost three straight T-Day games, including a 45-10 blowout at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. However, the Lions bounced back in 2014 with a 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. In 2016, the Lions played their first T-Day game at their new home, Ford Field, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 16-13 in a close contest.
The Future of the Lions on T-Day
The Detroit Lions' tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day shows no signs of slowing down. With a loyal fanbase and a history of memorable games, the Lions are sure to continue their T-Day legacy for years to come. As the team looks to build on their recent successes, it's clear that playing on Thanksgiving Day remains an important part of the Lions' identity both on and off the field.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' T-Day record is a testament to the team's enduring legacy and the importance of football on this national holiday. From their early struggles in the 1930s and 1940s to their golden age in the 1990s and beyond, the Lions have provided football fans with countless memorable moments on Thanksgiving Day. As the Lions look to the future, it's clear that their tradition of playing on T-Day will continue to be a source of pride for the team and its fans.
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