Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Record: A Historic Look at the Team's Turkey Day Tradition

detroit lions thanksgiving record

Credit: USA Today

For over 80 years, the Detroit Lions have been a staple of Thanksgiving Day football.

While the game has become a beloved holiday tradition for NFL fans, the Lions’ performance on this day has been a topic of both celebration and frustration.

So, what is the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving record? Do the Lions dominate on this historic day, or do they mostly leave fans with a side of disappointment along with their turkey?

Lets see about Lions’ Thanksgiving game history, their all-time record, the last time the Lions won on Thanksgiving, and why they always seem to play on the holiday. Buckle up—it’s time for a journey through the ups and downs of Detroit’s Thanksgiving football legacy.

Why Do the Detroit Lions Always Play on Thanksgiving?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do the Lions always play on Thanksgiving?”, the answer is rooted in tradition.

The Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game in 1934, just a year after team owner George A. Richards arranged the first-ever NFL Thanksgiving game.

The game was a huge success, drawing a massive crowd. Since then, the Lions have made it a tradition to host a game every Thanksgiving Day, and they’ve done so without fail—except for the years during World War II when the season was interrupted.

The tradition became so ingrained that in 1966, the NFL added a second Thanksgiving game, this time featuring the Dallas Cowboys. Now, both the Lions and Cowboys are the go-to teams for Thanksgiving Day football, each hosting their games at home.

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Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Record: The Highs and Lows

Now, let's talk about the Lions’ actual Thanksgiving Day record. While Detroit has hosted the most Thanksgiving games of any NFL team, the results haven’t always been kind to the Lions. Here’s a breakdown of their performance over the years:

Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Record (All-Time)

  • Total Games Played: 83
  • Wins: 37
  • Losses: 45
  • Ties: 1

The Lions have a losing record on Thanksgiving, but this doesn’t mean they haven’t had their fair share of memorable moments. Despite the occasional heartbreak, Detroit’s Thanksgiving games are always a spectacle, and fans show up in droves to cheer on their team.

Last Time the Lions Won on Thanksgiving

If you’re asking, “When was the last time the Lions won on Thanksgiving?”, it was back in 2016.

In that game, the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 16-13 in a tight contest. It was a much-needed victory after a string of losses, and it helped the Lions continue their playoff push that season.

Since then, the Lions have struggled to secure wins on Turkey Day, adding to the frustration for their long-suffering fans. In fact, they've only won 2 of their last 10 Thanksgiving games, with the most recent being a win over the Chicago Bears in 2018.


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A Long Losing Streak: The Lions’ Thanksgiving Woes

Unfortunately, the Lions' Thanksgiving record has been mostly negative in recent years.

From 2017 to 2023, the Lions have lost 7 consecutive Thanksgiving Day games, with some close losses and others that were more lopsided.

This has made it even harder for fans to stay optimistic about their team’s chances on Turkey Day.

However, 2024 might be different. With a revamped roster and strong performances from players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions are hoping to break their streak of losses and finally give their fans a reason to celebrate on Thanksgiving.

Key Moments in Lions Thanksgiving History

Despite their struggles, the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game history is filled with some great moments. Let’s take a look at a few key games that stand out:

  • Thanksgiving 1998: One of the Lions’ most memorable wins on Thanksgiving came in 1998 when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-16 in overtime. The victory helped propel the Lions to an NFC Central title.
  • Thanksgiving 1962: The Lions dominated the Green Bay Packers 26-14 in a pivotal game that season. It was a part of Detroit's march to the NFL Championship that year, though they ultimately lost to the Packers in the title game.
  • Thanksgiving 1980: Another high point in Lions’ history came when they beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-14. This victory marked a rare win for Detroit in a tough season.

Unfortunately, these moments of glory have been few and far between in recent years, and the team has struggled to find consistency on Turkey Day.


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The Lions’ Thanksgiving Game in 2024

Looking ahead to the Lions record 2024 on Thanksgiving, there's reason for optimism. The 2024 Lions have been one of the most improved teams in the NFC under head coach Dan Campbell. With Jared Goff leading the offense and standout performances from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions are poised to put an end to their recent Thanksgiving misfortunes.

Fans are hoping that 2024 will be the year the Lions finally snap their losing streak and get back to winning on Thanksgiving Day. After all, it’s not just about bragging rights—it’s about pride, tradition, and giving the fans something to be thankful for.

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The Smoothie Diet

The smoothie diet is a meal replacement program focused on using nutrient-rich smoothies to promote weight loss, improve digestion, and increase energy levels. It's designed to be a simple, flexible plan that encourages healthy eating habits with whole foods.

Can the Lions Turn Their Thanksgiving Record Around?

While the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving record may not inspire the most confidence, it’s important to remember that each year is a new chance for greatness.

As the Lions gear up for their next Thanksgiving game, the hope is that 2024 marks a turning point in their holiday fortunes.

Whether the Lions win or lose, though, one thing is for sure: Thanksgiving football in Detroit is a tradition unlike any other, and the team's passionate fanbase will continue to support them through thick and thin.

So, will the Lions record on Thanksgiving improve in 2024? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s certain—fans will be watching closely, turkey in hand, hoping for a victory to remember.

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