Why Detroit Keeps Stealing the Show on Thanksgiving: A Turkey Day Tradition with a Touchdown Twist
Let's face it, Thanksgiving is more than just delicious food comas and dodging awkward family conversations (although, let's be honest, those are pretty great too). It's also a day steeped in tradition, and one of the most enduring ones involves a certain team in the Motor City. That's right, we're talking about the Detroit Lions and their seemingly permanent place on the Thanksgiving Day NFL schedule.
But why Detroit? Why are they the ones battling it out on the gridiron while the rest of us are stuffing our faces with cranberry sauce? Buckle up, football fans and turkey enthusiasts, because we're about to delve into the fascinating (and slightly hilarious) history of this Thanksgiving tradition.
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| What Does Detroit Always Play On Thanksgiving |
From Portsmouth to Turkey Day: A Lion's Rise
The story starts back in 1929, when the Lions weren't even the Lions. They were the slightly less majestic Portsmouth Spartans. But fear not, this underdog team had a cunning owner named George Richards. When he relocated the team to Detroit in 1934, he knew he needed a way to get the Motor City fans fired up. Enter the ingenious idea (or perhaps a stroke of marketing genius fueled by mashed potatoes?) to play a game on Thanksgiving Day.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Richards, being a man of action (and possibly a very hungry one), struck a deal with NBC to broadcast the game across a whopping 94 stations. The result? A sold-out stadium, a new tradition born, and a whole lot of confused Bears on Thanksgiving (sorry, Chicago, you lost that first game).
Fun Fact: While the Lions hold the record for most Thanksgiving Day appearances (a whopping 83!), they weren't the first team to play on the holiday. Other teams had sprinkled some football into their Thanksgiving feasts before, but Detroit's media deal and savvy marketing cemented their place as the true Turkey Day champions (at least, when it comes to tradition).
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
The Rivalry Heats Up: Sharing the Thanksgiving Feast (with a Side of Competition)
Fast forward a few decades, and the Dallas Cowboys join the Thanksgiving Day party. Since 1978, these two teams have become synonymous with the holiday, with Detroit kicking things off in the early afternoon and Dallas taking center stage later in the day. It's a Thanksgiving doubleheader, a feast for football fans everywhere (and a potential source of heartburn for those who dare to indulge in both games and a full Thanksgiving dinner).
But wait, there's more! In 2006, the NFL decided Thanksgiving needed a primetime sprinkle. Enter a third game, usually featuring a marquee matchup, to round out the day of football festivities.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
So, Why Detroit? It's All About Tradition (and Maybe a Little Bit of Strategy)
There are a few reasons why Detroit continues to hold onto their Thanksgiving Day spot. Here's a quick rundown:
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- Tradition, baby! For over 80 years, Detroit has been synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football. Messing with that tradition would be like taking the stuffing out of your stuffing – a national outrage!
- Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Viewership): The early afternoon slot guarantees the Lions a decent chunk of viewers before people get too stuffed with turkey to care about touchdowns.
- A Match Made in Football Heaven (or at Least Marketing): The Detroit market is a strong one, and having a guaranteed national audience on Thanksgiving is a win for the NFL (and for those delicious Thanksgiving Day commercials).
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Like a True Detroit Lion (Even if Your Team Isn't Playing)
Alright, so your team might not be getting national glory on Thanksgiving. But fear not, friend! Here are some tips to channel your inner Detroit Lion and celebrate like a Thanksgiving Day champion:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
How to Dress for the Occasion: Forget the fancy sweaters! Rock a Barry Sanders jersey or a Honolulu blue and silver ensemble. Bonus points for a strategically placed turkey leg drumstick sticking out of your pocket.
How to Talk Like a Lions Fan: Master the subtle art of the sarcastic cheer. Phrases like "Here we go again..." and "Maybe next year" are delivered with a wink and a hopeful smile.
How to Eat Like a Lions Fan: Embrace the "feast or famine" mentality. Pile your plate high with all the Thanksgiving classics, then blame any post-turkey drowsiness on the early kickoff.
How to Act Like a Lions Fan (After a Win): Unleash your inner roar! Celebrate with unbridled joy, because Lions wins on Thanksgiving are a rare and beautiful thing.
How to Act Like a Lions Fan (After a Loss): Maintain a stoic silence.
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