The Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers in 1962 is one of the most memorable games in NFL history. The game was played on November 22, 1962, at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions won the game 26-14, but it was the way they won that made it such an iconic game.
The Lions were struggling that season, with a record of 5-5 going into the game. They were also playing against a dominant Green Bay Packers team that had won the NFL championship the previous year. Despite the odds, the Lions managed to pull off an incredible upset that would go down in history.
The Build-Up to the Game
Leading up to the game, the Lions had been struggling to find their rhythm. They had lost their previous two games and were in danger of missing out on the playoffs. The Packers, on the other hand, were in fine form, having won their last three games and sitting comfortably at the top of the NFL standings.
The Lions knew that they had to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. They had a strong team, but they needed to play their best football to beat the Packers. The game was sure to be a tough battle, but the Lions were determined to come out on top.
The Game Begins
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to gain any momentum. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team able to score any points. It wasn't until the second quarter that the Lions were able to break the deadlock.
The Lions quarterback, Milt Plum, connected with receiver Terry Barr for a 60-yard touchdown pass. This gave the Lions a 7-0 lead and gave the team and the crowd a much-needed boost of confidence. The Packers were quick to respond, however, with quarterback Bart Starr throwing a touchdown pass of his own to tie the game at 7-7.
The Turning Point
The game remained tied until the fourth quarter when the Lions made their move. With just over six minutes left on the clock, the Lions were trailing 14-10 and needed a big play to turn the game around. That play came from Lions defensive back, Dick LeBeau.
LeBeau intercepted a pass from Bart Starr and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown. This gave the Lions a 17-14 lead and swung the momentum of the game in their favor. The Packers were unable to mount a comeback, and the Lions sealed the victory with a couple of late field goals.
The Aftermath
The Lions' victory over the Packers in 1962 is still remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The game was played in front of a record-breaking crowd of over 78,000 fans and was broadcast on national television. It was also the first Thanksgiving Day game to be broadcast in color.
The game was a turning point for the Lions, who went on to win their next two games and secure a spot in the playoffs. They were eventually knocked out of the playoffs by the Packers, but the memory of their incredible victory over their rivals will live on forever.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers in 1962 was a game for the ages. It was a game that showcased the grit, determination, and skill of the Lions team and gave fans one of the most memorable moments in NFL history. The game will always be remembered as a turning point for the Lions and a reminder of what can be achieved when a team refuses to give up.
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