The Detroit Lions: Masters of the Thanksgiving Turkey Leg Toss (and Occasionally Football)
Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, delicious food comas, and... Detroit Lions football. That's right, folks, for almost as long as anyone can remember, the Lions have been a Thanksgiving Day fixture, right up there with mashed potatoes and questionable life decisions made by Uncle Steve. But how long exactly has this tradition been going on? Buckle up, because we're about to delve into the fascinating (and sometimes slightly embarrassing) history of the Lions and Turkey Day.
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| How Long Has Detroit Played On Thanksgiving |
From also-rans to Turkey Day titans (well, maybe not titans)
The year was 1934. The Lions, fresh off a move to Detroit from Portsmouth, Ohio (wherever that is), were struggling to compete with the city's beloved baseball team, the Tigers. Enter George A. Richards, a man who saw an opportunity and seized it like a hungry guest eyeing the last slice of pie. Deciding a little football on Thanksgiving might lure in some fans, Richards scheduled a game. Let's just say it was a smashing success (pun intended). The stadium sold out, and a tradition was born.
Of course, there was a bit of a hiccup during World War II (those pesky Nazis weren't big on football, shocker), but since 1945, the Lions have graced our Thanksgiving screens with their...um...enthusiasm. They may not always win (let's be honest, they rarely do), but they certainly bring the entertainment value.
Here for a good time, not a long time (sometimes)
So, how long exactly has this tradition been going? Since 1934, with the exception of those pesky war years (1939-1944). That's a whopping 88 years, folks! That's more Thanksgiving dinners than most of us can even imagine (and probably more indigestion too).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Why the Lions, you ask?
Ah, that's a question lost to the mists of time. Some theories suggest it was because the Lions weren't very good and thus less likely to interfere with fans' Thanksgiving plans (hey, at least they're honest). Others say it was because they were a young team looking to build a fanbase. Whatever the reason, it's stuck, and now we get to enjoy the annual spectacle of the Lions playing with the same intensity as someone forced to watch their in-laws argue about politics.
FAQ: Lions on Thanksgiving - Your Pressing Questions Answered (Finally)
How to prepare for a Lions Thanksgiving game?
Easy! Stock up on antacids, grab your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers (because you might need a distraction), and practice your "moral support" Lions roar (emphasis on the moral).
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
How to survive a Lions Thanksgiving loss?
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Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.
How to (maybe) ensure a Lions Thanksgiving win?
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
This one's a mystery even to the most die-hard Lions fan. Maybe try sending them a plate of your grandma's famous stuffing? It can't hurt, right?
How to convince your friends and family to watch the Lions on Thanksgiving?
Tell them it's like watching a hilarious underdog movie, only it's real life and slightly more depressing.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to avoid getting into a heated debate about the Lions with your family on Thanksgiving?
Just agree with Uncle Steve, no matter how outlandish his theories about the Lions' offensive line might be. Trust us, your sanity will thank you.
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