The Detroit Lions: Thanksgiving Tradition Meets New Look
The Detroit Lions, one of the NFL's most storied franchises with a deep-rooted tradition of Thanksgiving Day games, are set to break with some of their past practices in their upcoming holiday match-up against the Chicago Bears in 2024. In a departure from the nostalgia of the past, the Lions have opted to forgo wearing their iconic throwback uniforms for this year's festive game.
For many fans, the Lions' Thanksgiving game is synonymous with a touch of history; the tradition of donning uniforms inspired by the 1957 championship-winning team. These throwback uniforms, characterized by classic silver numbers, stripe-less silver pants, and the distinctly old-school blue socks, have often provided a visual link to the team’s storied past. However, this Thanksgiving, the Lions will instead take the field in their striking home “Hawaiian Blue” jerseys, coupled with blue pants, blue shoes, and complemented by their gleaming silver helmets.
The team's bold choice of attire has been cheerfully dubbed “Blueberries on this year's Thanksgiving table," a moniker that adds a playful, festive touch to the proceedings. However, the move does raise questions about the team's decision to eschew tradition in favor of innovation and a fresh aesthetic appeal.
This isn't entirely new terrain for the Lions. In recent years, they have ventured into wearing different uniforms during Thanksgiving. In 2021, the team stayed true to their home uniforms, while in 2022 and further back in 2019, they showcased alternate "wolf gray" uniforms. Thus, the Thanksgiving uniform story seems to be one of evolving choices, perhaps in search of a new tradition or simply a new identity.
Despite these fashion-forward moves, the statistics on the field have not been as favorable. Unfortunately for the Lions, they are currently enduring a seven-game losing streak on the Thanksgiving stage. The time-honored game, typically a time for the franchise to shine, has instead seen them struggle to deliver winning performances. Such a streak inevitably adds a layer of pressure as they prepare for the upcoming face-off against the Bears.
Nevertheless, there are glimmers of hope to be seen in their recent home performances. In their last two regular season home games, the Lions managed to score an impressive 52 points each — a statistic that suggests an offensive capability that could potentially break the Thanksgiving curse. These high-scoring games might serve as a springboard, providing the Lions with the momentum needed to reverse their holiday misfortunes.
While uniforms and past performances contribute to the Thanksgiving Day narrative, the true essence of the game lies in the players' performance and their ability to delight and surprise the fans both in the stadium and watching from home. As the Lions prepare to take on the Bears, fans will be hoping that whether decked out in classic throwbacks or vibrant blues, the team can deliver a win and perhaps start a new Thanksgiving tradition that complements their transforming identity.