Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Game Tradition Remains Secure

Team president Rod Wood affirms the annual holiday matchup will continue indefinitely.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and energy of an NFL football game, the players' forms dissolving into vibrant splashes of paint.The annual Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game is a beloved tradition that kicks off the holiday season with unmatched energy and excitement.Today in Detroit

Detroit Lions president Rod Wood confirmed that the team's longstanding tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day game will continue for the foreseeable future. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934, except for a six-year pause during World War II, and have no plans to give up the cherished holiday slot.

Why it matters

The Thanksgiving Day game is a uniquely Detroit tradition that has become a beloved part of the holiday season for the entire country. The game consistently draws high television ratings, second only to the later Cowboys matchup, and is seen as an integral part of the city's identity.

The details

Wood noted that the Lions' Thanksgiving game is the only one of its kind, with no other teams willing to host a game on the holiday for fear of poor attendance. However, in Detroit the tradition is 'precious' to fans who reliably show up each year. The team is also focused on delivering an entertaining halftime show, having featured high-profile acts like Jack White and Eminem in recent years.

  • The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934, except for a six-year pause during World War II.
  • The Lions' Thanksgiving game is typically the second highest-rated regular season NFL game each year, behind only the later Cowboys matchup.

The players

Rod Wood

The president and CEO of the Detroit Lions, who is stepping down from his role this year after a 10-year tenure.

Dan Campbell

The current head coach of the Detroit Lions, whose hiring along with GM Brad Holmes was cited by Wood as a key turning point for the franchise.

Brad Holmes

The current general manager of the Detroit Lions, whose hiring along with head coach Dan Campbell was cited by Wood as a key turning point for the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“It's uniquely Detroit. We have the parade, we have the game. It's the only game on. It kind of kicks off the holiday season for the whole country.”

— Rod Wood, President, Detroit Lions

“It's an unbelievable Detroit tradition. And I've talked to other teams who would be scared to death to have a game on Thanksgiving, fearing that no one would show up. Whereas here, it's precious to us, and our fans show up. And I'm very confident that we're going to keep it forever.”

— Rod Wood, President, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions are already working on plans for this year's Thanksgiving halftime show, aiming to top the high-profile performances of recent years.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day game is a deeply ingrained tradition that has become an integral part of the holiday season for the entire country. Despite occasional pushes to move the game around, the team's leadership is committed to preserving this uniquely Detroit institution indefinitely.