The Detroit Lions will face the Green Bay Packers in a high-stakes matchup with NFC North Division title implications on Thanksgiving.
The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934. While the Lions have been known for their history of losing on Thanksgiving, they have had some iconic moments in recent years. Here’s a look back at some of the best Lions moments on Thanksgiving.
Lions vs. Bears last minute meltdown in 2024
In one of the most bizarre finishes that saw Matt Eberflus run out the clock with a timeout with the Chicago Bears in field goal range, the Lions snapped their seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving, beating the Bears 23-20.
While the Lions barely escaped with a win courtesy of a last-minute meltdown by the Bears, it was one of the most memorable wins of Detroit’s 15-2 2024 regular season.
The Bears would go on to fire coach Matt Eberflus the following day, and are now led by the Lions' former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson. Tight end Sam LaPorta caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Jared Goff in the Lions' win.
Lions rout Packers on Thanksgiving in 2013
In another game that saw the Lions snap a multiple-year losing streak on Thanksgiving, Detroit routed the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers 40-10, scoring 37 unanswered points.
Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Thanksgiving win over the Packers was also a memorable performance from former Lions Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who recorded six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
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Many Lions fans also have fond memories of running back Reggie Bush's two seasons with Detroit from 2013 to 2014. In the Thanksgiving win in 2013, Bush rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
The game was a memorable win for Lions fans in the final season under coach Jim Schwartz. The Lions finished the 2013 season with a 7-9 record, falling just short of the NFL playoffs.
Megatron’s final Thanksgiving Game
In 2015, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Calvin Johnson appeared in his final Thanksgiving game for the Lions. In that game, Megatron put on a special performance for the Lions and went out on a high note, as Detroit dismantled the Eagles 45-14.
Johnson recorded eight receptions for 93 yards and three touchdowns in the Thanksgiving win for the Lions. Matthew Stafford also had one of his best performances of the 2015 season with 337 passing yards and five touchdown passes.
The Lions finished the 2015 season with a 7-9 record, missing out on the playoffs in their second season under former head coach Jim Caldwell. The win over the Eagles on Thanksgiving came right before the memorable Aaron Rodgers Hail Mary game at Ford Field that derailed the Lions' season.