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Lions Roar Back: Thanksgiving Tradition Reclaimed
26 Nov
Summary
- Lions owner George Richards established Thanksgiving football in 1934.
- Dallas Cowboys later adopted and popularized the Thanksgiving game tradition.
- Eminem and Jack White now involved in Lions' Thanksgiving halftime show.
George Richards, owner of the Portsmouth Spartans, purchased the team in 1934, moved them to Detroit, and rebranded them as the Lions. Facing initial struggles attracting fans, Richards initiated the tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day, leveraging his radio network to broadcast games nationally. This move cemented the Lions' connection to the holiday, even as the Dallas Cowboys later adopted a prominent Thanksgiving Day game.
Decades later, the Lions are once again seizing the Thanksgiving platform. Following a period of lesser on-field success and reduced national visibility, the franchise has experienced a significant turnaround. This resurgence has led to increased prime-time appearances and national ratings draws, diminishing the gap with perennial contenders like the Cowboys.
The team is now actively using its renewed national spotlight to showcase Detroit. Initiatives include partnering with Detroit natives Eminem and Jack White as executive producers for the Thanksgiving halftime show, aiming to highlight local talent like gospel singer CeCe Winans and artist Jack White, further solidifying the city's cultural influence.
