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O.J. Simpson ran for 273 yards vs. the Lions on Thanksgiving — and lost

Related Topics: Joe DeLamielleure, O. J. Simpson

Looking back at some top performers for the Lions on Turkey Day. Video by Ryan Ford/DFP Wochit

Joe DeLamielleure watched arguably the most memorable game in Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving history from the second deck at Tiger Stadium in 1962.

DeLamielleure was 11 years old, a strident Lions fan and budding football star who had no way of knowing he was on his way to a Hall of Fame career as an offensive guard.

As the Lions tormented Bart Starr that day with 11 sacks and upset the unbeatable Green Bay Packers in a game that came to be known as the Thanksgiving Day Massacre, DeLamielleure turned to his father in the seat next to him and said: "I’m going to play in this game one day, too.