Lions Thanksgiving Tradition: Why They Always Play

Thanksgiving Day is a cherished American holiday synonymous with family gatherings, delicious feasts, and, of course, football. While several NFL teams take the field on this day, one team has a particularly special connection to Thanksgiving: the Detroit Lions. But have you ever wondered why the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving? It's a tradition that stretches back decades, deeply rooted in the history of the team and the sport itself. Let's delve into the fascinating story behind this beloved Thanksgiving tradition.

The Detroit Lions and Thanksgiving: A Tradition Born in 1934

The story begins in 1934 when a young, ambitious owner named George A. Richards purchased the Portsmouth Spartans and relocated them to Detroit. Richards, a radio executive with a keen sense for marketing, understood the power of a Thanksgiving Day game to capture the public's attention. He wanted to establish the Lions in their new city and saw Thanksgiving as the perfect opportunity to do so.

Richards made a bold move, scheduling a Thanksgiving Day game against the reigning NFL champion Chicago Bears. This wasn't just any game; it was a strategic play to draw fans and build excitement around the Lions. His gamble paid off handsomely. The game sold out, attracting over 26,000 fans to the University of Detroit Stadium, a significant crowd for the time. The Lions, in their inaugural season in Detroit, lost a close contest to the Bears, but the Thanksgiving tradition was born.

This initial success demonstrated the potential of Thanksgiving Day football, proving it could be a major draw for fans. It also strategically positioned the Lions as a key part of the Thanksgiving holiday experience, securing their place in the hearts and minds of football fans across the nation. By making this bold move, Richards not only boosted the Lions' profile but also set a precedent for future NFL scheduling, solidifying Thanksgiving Day as a prime date for football.

Marketing Genius and the Power of Radio

George A. Richards' marketing prowess extended beyond simply scheduling a game. He leveraged his connections in the radio industry to broadcast the game nationally, making it accessible to a far wider audience. This was a crucial step in establishing the Thanksgiving Day game as a national event. Through the power of radio, Richards brought the excitement of Lions football into homes across America, further cementing the team's association with the holiday.

The national broadcast of the game was a masterstroke in building the Lions' brand and the NFL's profile. It exposed the team and the sport to a massive audience, many of whom were likely spending the holiday with family and friends, looking for entertainment. By tapping into this captive audience, Richards ensured that the Lions and Thanksgiving became inextricably linked in the public consciousness. This innovative approach to marketing and broadcasting laid the foundation for the long-standing tradition we know today.

Why the Tradition Stuck: Overcoming Challenges and Solidifying a Legacy

While the initial Thanksgiving Day game was a resounding success, the tradition wasn't without its challenges. During World War II, the Lions temporarily suspended their Thanksgiving Day game due to wartime restrictions and resource limitations. However, the tradition was revived after the war, demonstrating its enduring appeal and importance to the team and its fans.

The revival of the Thanksgiving Day game after World War II underscored the tradition's resilience and its significance to the Detroit community. It symbolized a return to normalcy and a celebration of American values, further embedding the Lions' game into the fabric of the holiday. The commitment to continue the tradition, even in the face of adversity, solidified its legacy and ensured that future generations would associate the Lions with Thanksgiving Day football.

Over the years, the Thanksgiving Day game has become a staple of the NFL schedule, with the Lions serving as a consistent host. The game has provided countless memorable moments, thrilling victories, and heartbreaking defeats, all played out against the backdrop of the Thanksgiving holiday. This consistency has built a strong connection between the Lions and Thanksgiving, making it a tradition that fans eagerly anticipate each year.

The Economic and Cultural Impact of Thanksgiving Football

The Lions' Thanksgiving Day game has a significant economic and cultural impact, not just for the team and the city of Detroit, but for the NFL and its fans nationwide. The game generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and television broadcasting rights. It also provides a major boost to the local economy, with fans flocking to Detroit for the game and spending money at hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Beyond the economic benefits, the Thanksgiving Day game has a profound cultural impact. It brings families and friends together, creating shared experiences and lasting memories. The game provides a sense of community and tradition, something that is particularly cherished during the holiday season. For many fans, watching the Lions play on Thanksgiving is as much a part of the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. This cultural significance underscores the enduring appeal of the tradition and its importance to American society.

The tradition also fosters a sense of continuity and connection to the past. Fans who have watched the Lions play on Thanksgiving for decades pass down the tradition to their children and grandchildren, creating a legacy that spans generations. This intergenerational connection strengthens family bonds and reinforces the importance of traditions in our lives. The Lions' Thanksgiving Day game, therefore, is more than just a football game; it's a cultural touchstone that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Critics and the Future of the Tradition

While the Thanksgiving Day tradition is widely beloved, it has faced some criticism in recent years. Some argue that the Lions, who have often struggled on the field, are unfairly burdened by the annual game, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to other teams. Others suggest that the NFL should consider rotating the Thanksgiving Day host to give other teams the opportunity to participate in this special event.

Despite these criticisms, the tradition remains firmly in place, and there are no immediate plans to change it. The NFL recognizes the historical significance of the Lions' Thanksgiving Day game and the strong connection it has with fans. The game is a major television draw, generating high ratings and substantial revenue for the league. While the debate about the fairness of the tradition may continue, its popularity and economic importance make it unlikely to be abandoned anytime soon.

The future of the tradition likely depends on the Lions' continued participation and the NFL's commitment to preserving its historical significance. As long as the Lions are willing to play on Thanksgiving, and as long as the game remains a popular event, the tradition is likely to endure. However, the NFL may need to consider ways to address the criticisms and ensure that the tradition remains fair and sustainable in the long term. This could involve exploring options such as rotating the second Thanksgiving Day host or adjusting the schedule to give the Lions more rest before and after the game.

Beyond the Lions: The Other Thanksgiving Day Game

It's important to remember that while the Detroit Lions hold a special place in Thanksgiving Day football history, they are not the only team to participate in the holiday tradition. The Dallas Cowboys have also been a regular fixture on the Thanksgiving Day schedule since 1966. The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game, like the Lions', has become a cherished tradition for fans across the country.

The Cowboys' involvement in Thanksgiving Day football adds another layer to the holiday tradition, providing fans with a second game to enjoy. The two games create a full day of football excitement, making Thanksgiving a true celebration of the sport. The Cowboys, like the Lions, have a long and storied history on Thanksgiving, with numerous memorable games and moments. Their participation in the tradition ensures that fans have a variety of options to choose from on Thanksgiving Day.

The NFL's decision to feature both the Lions and the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day is a testament to the enduring appeal of the holiday tradition. By showcasing two of the league's most iconic franchises, the NFL maximizes the viewership and excitement surrounding the games. This dual-game format has proven to be a successful formula for attracting fans and solidifying Thanksgiving Day as a premier date for NFL football.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lions Thanksgiving Football

So, why do the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving? The answer lies in a combination of marketing genius, historical precedent, and cultural significance. George A. Richards' vision in 1934 to showcase his team on Thanksgiving Day laid the foundation for a tradition that has endured for nearly a century. The Thanksgiving Day game has become an integral part of the Lions' identity and a cherished tradition for football fans across the nation.

The tradition has not only provided countless memorable moments on the field but has also fostered a sense of community and connection among fans. The Lions' Thanksgiving Day game is more than just a football game; it's a cultural event that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of the holiday. As long as the Lions continue to take the field on Thanksgiving, the tradition will continue to thrive, reminding us of the power of sports to unite us and create lasting memories.

For more information on the history of Thanksgiving Day football, you can visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.