How Many Games Have The Lions Won On Thanksgiving

How Many Games Have the Lions Won on Thanksgiving?

Alright, let’s talk turkey…and football! When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s not just about the feast. For many, it’s also about watching the Detroit Lions play. They’ve been a Thanksgiving Day tradition for as long as many of us can remember. But, let’s be honest, sometimes watching them on Turkey Day is like watching a rollercoaster ride – full of ups and downs. So, the big question everyone asks is: how many games have the Lions actually won on Thanksgiving?

A Look Back at Lions Thanksgiving History

The Detroit Lions and Thanksgiving are like peanut butter and jelly; they just go together. The tradition started way back in 1934 when the team’s owner, George Richards, wanted to attract more fans. He figured a Thanksgiving game would be the perfect way to do it. And he was right! It quickly became a big deal, drawing tons of attention. This yearly tradition meant that the Lions would have the nation watching them on a special day, creating a unique stage for their games. But, how have they performed in that stage?

Early Days and the Upswing

In the early years, the Lions did pretty well on Thanksgiving. They were a strong team back then, and they often gave their fans something to cheer about. But, as with any team, things changed over the years. The Lions haven’t always had the best luck or the best seasons on the holiday. It’s a mix of great wins and some tough losses. The early success led fans to expect great performance on the holiday each year. The Lions’ history on Thanksgiving is not a story of only wins. It’s important to note that even the best teams have some rough patches. This up and down performance is part of what makes each Thanksgiving Lions game interesting to watch.

In the early years, during the 1930s and 1940s, the Lions showed good results, consistently keeping their win percentage high for those games. Those early games cemented the Thanksgiving tradition for Lions fans.

The Winning Numbers: Counting the Thanksgiving Victories

Okay, let’s get to the main question: How many times have the Lions actually won on Thanksgiving? Let’s dive into the specific numbers and really take a look at the wins and losses.

Overall Record: Wins vs. Losses

Throughout their long history of playing on Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions have unfortunately had more losses than wins. While specific numbers can vary slightly depending on the source (due to a couple of tied games early in the team’s history), they’ve generally won around 37 games out of their 90+ Thanksgiving Day games. This means they’ve lost more than they’ve won. This does not dim the tradition though, as it is still one of the most watched annual sporting events on television.

This information shows us that the Lions have had a difficult time on this particular day. It is important to keep in mind that the teams they’ve played have been different over time, and the Lions have had different strengths and weaknesses over the years.

Let’s make it clearer with a breakdown:

• Total Thanksgiving Games Played: 90+
• Approximate Wins: 37
• Approximate Losses: 51+
• Ties: 2

Key Factors Affecting Lions Thanksgiving Performance

Why do the Lions seem to have a tough time on Thanksgiving? It’s not just bad luck; several factors can play a role. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the reasons that impact the team’s performance.

Pressure and Expectations

Playing on Thanksgiving comes with a lot of added pressure. It’s a national game, with a much larger audience than regular games. Everyone is watching, not just Lions fans. This can add stress to the players, who feel the weight of expectation. Also, sometimes, knowing they are under a larger national spotlight may actually cause players to tense up more.

Opponent Strength

The Lions often face strong teams on Thanksgiving. This is partially because the NFL tries to schedule interesting match-ups for national television. Playing against a very good team, week in and week out is tough enough, but to play against a good team when millions are watching can prove to be even more difficult. Sometimes, the strength of the opponent makes it very hard for the Lions to pull out a victory, regardless of the talent on their roster.

Team Form and Injuries

Like any football team, the Lions’ success is directly affected by their current form and how many players are healthy. If they are playing great with all of their best players in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, it makes winning on Thanksgiving that much easier. And likewise, If they have a lot of injuries or haven’t been performing well, it can be extra hard to win on Thanksgiving. Injuries and overall team struggles can affect any team, especially the Lions, who are constantly fighting for playoff positions.

Memorable Lions Thanksgiving Games

While the Lions haven’t always won on Thanksgiving, there have been some truly unforgettable games over the years. These moments are what make the Thanksgiving Day tradition so special for fans. Let’s take a look at some of the games that stick out in the minds of fans and sportswriters.

The Good: Games Lions Fans Remember

There are several Lions Thanksgiving games that live on in the memories of fans for all the right reasons. These were games where the team had all the elements needed to perform well and bring home a victory. Some of these include:

• Lions vs Packers 1962: The Lions defeated the Packers 26-14, in what many have called a game that truly cemented the Lions as a Thanksgiving tradition. The game was a huge national success, showing how exciting Thanksgiving football could be.
• Lions vs Bears 1997: The Lions defeated the Bears 55-20. The high scoring affair was exciting to watch and a welcome victory for Lions fans.
• Lions vs Packers 2014: After a long stretch of futility, the Lions beat the Packers 40-10 in a dominating performance. This victory was a breath of fresh air for the team and their fans, and a memorable game for years to come.

The Bad: Games Lions Fans Want to Forget

Not every Thanksgiving game has been a happy one. There have been some tough losses that are probably hard for many Lions fans to even think about. But they are important to mention, because this is part of the total history of the Lions on this holiday. The bad days also are a part of the Thanksgiving tradition for the Lions. Some of the more painful losses include:

• Lions vs Bears 1980: The Lions lost 17-20 to the Bears in a hard fought game that ended in disappointment.
• Lions vs Patriots 2008: The Lions had an especially bad 2008 season, going 0-16. This loss to the Patriots 10-47 was especially painful during a really rough season.
• Lions vs Texans 2012: The Lions suffered a crushing 34-31 overtime loss to the Texans, a real heartbreaker on Thanksgiving day.

The Tradition Continues: What’s Next for the Lions on Thanksgiving?

Despite the ups and downs, the Detroit Lions and Thanksgiving tradition is here to stay. It’s a part of football that many fans look forward to every year. The game brings families together in a way that few other events can. The Lions, no matter the results, have a consistent presence on the national stage.

Looking Forward

The Lions will continue to play on Thanksgiving, which means there will be more opportunities for exciting games, wins and losses. Every year is a new chance for the team to do better, make their fans proud, and leave a new mark on the history of Lions Thanksgiving games. As the team evolves, it is important to continue to watch and see how their performance on Thanksgiving changes.

What Thanksgiving Means to the Lions and their Fans

For Lions fans, Thanksgiving is more than just a day off. It’s about family, food, and football. Even if the Lions lose, the tradition of watching them play on Thanksgiving is a cherished ritual for many. The tradition has created a great bond between the team and their fans, because every year they know they will always have a game to watch on Thanksgiving. For many it is a family tradition.

So, while the Lions might not have the best winning record on Thanksgiving, the tradition is all about something much larger than the wins or losses. It’s about the shared experience, the gathering with loved ones, and the thrill of watching football on a special day. And, maybe one year, they’ll get that big win that everyone will be talking about for years to come. Until then, let’s all keep cheering them on, every single Thanksgiving.