From 1934 to Today: How the Lions Became a Holiday Staple in American Football

Image: The Detroit Lions’ 1938 Thanksgiving Day game resulted in a 14-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. Image: Battle Creek Enquirer, November 26, 1938.

The Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game is a longstanding tradition in American football, dating back to 1934.

Origins

In 1934, George A. Richards, owner of the Detroit Lions and WJR radio station, sought to boost attendance and visibility for the newly relocated team. He arranged for the Lions to host a Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, which was broadcast nationwide via NBC radio. This initiative led to a sold-out crowd of 26,000 at the University of Detroit Stadium, establishing the Thanksgiving game as an annual event for the Lions.

Tradition and Continuity

Since that inaugural game, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year, with the exception of a hiatus during World War II from 1939 to 1944. This consistent scheduling has made the Lions’ Thanksgiving game a central part of the holiday’s sports festivities.

Notable Games and Moments

Over the decades, the Lions’ Thanksgiving games have featured memorable moments:

Lions Silence Talkative Packers (2013)
The Lions crushed the Packers 40-10 after Green Bay guard Josh Sitton’s inflammatory remarks motivated Detroit’s defense. Matt Stafford threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, including a third-quarter strike to Calvin Johnson, who tallied 101 yards. Running backs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell amassed 310 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers out, Detroit’s defense, led by Ndamukong Suh, sacked Matt Flynn seven times and allowed only 126 total yards. This dominant win ended a five-game losing streak to Green Bay and marked the Lions’ biggest margin of victory over the Packers since 1973.

Barry Scorches the Bears (1997)
Barry Sanders dazzled with 167 rushing yards and three touchdowns as the Lions overwhelmed the Bears 55-20. After Chicago closed the gap to seven in the third quarter, Sanders’ touchdown runs of 25 and 15 yards sealed the win and kept Detroit’s playoff hopes alive. The game was a highlight of Sanders’ MVP season, where he rushed for 2,053 yards and led the Lions to the postseason.

Lions Win Track Meet vs. Vikings (1995)
Quarterback Scott Mitchell threw for 410 yards and four touchdowns in a high-scoring 44-38 victory over the Vikings. Receivers Brett Perriman, Herman Moore, and Johnnie Morton each exceeded 100 yards, combining for 382 yards and four touchdowns. Barry Sanders added 138 rushing yards, including a 50-yard touchdown. Despite strong performances by Vikings quarterback Warren Moon and his receivers, Detroit’s win helped secure a playoff berth after a 2-5 season start.

Lions Benefit from Coin-Flip Blunder (1998)
In an infamous overtime coin toss, officials misheard Steelers’ Jerome Bettis and awarded possession to Detroit. A 28-yard pass from Charlie Batch to Herman Moore set up Jason Hanson’s game-winning field goal, securing a 19-16 Lions victory. This Thanksgiving game marked Barry Sanders’ final holiday appearance before his unexpected retirement. The Steelers, 7-4 entering the game, did not win again that season.

Thanksgiving Day Massacre (1962)
In a rematch of a close Packers victory earlier in the season, the Lions dominated Green Bay 26-14. Quarterback Milt Plum threw two touchdown passes, while Detroit’s Hall of Fame defenders “Night Train” Lane and Dick LeBeau each intercepted Bart Starr. Defensive tackle Roger Brown recorded six of Detroit’s 11 sacks, including one for a safety. This game, fondly remembered as the “Thanksgiving Day Massacre,” handed the Packers their only loss of the season as they went on to claim their second Lombardi-era championship.

Overall Performance

As of 2023, the Lions have played 84 Thanksgiving Day games, holding a record of 37 wins, 45 losses, and two ties.

Cultural Impact

The Lions’ Thanksgiving game has become a staple of American culture, symbolizing the intersection of sports and holiday traditions. For many fans, watching the Lions play on Thanksgiving is as integral to the holiday as the meal itself.

Sources:

• ClickOnDetroit.com, Detroit Lions all-time record in Thanksgiving Day game
• ESPN.com, NFL Thanksgiving Games: History, traditions and best moments
• Wikipedia, NFL on Thanksgiving Day
• ProFootballRecord.com, Lions Thanksgiving Game Tradition: History, Record, and Who They Play in 2023
• Time, Thanksgiving Football: Detroit Lions Game History