Football has been an indelible part of Thanksgiving Day for decades, and this year’s NFL schedule goes retro in that regard.
In 1934, the Lions began a franchise tradition of playing on Thanksgiving by playing host to the Chicago Bears. The visitors would win that game, 19-16, but it established an annual football ritual in Detroit. The Lions have played a home game on Thanksgiving annually since then, except for a six-season hiatus from 1939 to 1944.
The Bears visit Detroit this Thanksgiving as well, marking the 18th time the teams have clashed on the holiday. Chicago holds a 9-8 series lead entering the 2019 matchup.