Although I was unable to actually sit down and watch any games this turkey day, I was able to celebrate in the home of a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Let's be honest, everyone in Pittsburgh is a die hard Steelers fan and they aren't afraid to show their colors. Driving from outside of Philly to Pittsburgh this afternoon we officially entered "Steeler Country" along the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the toll both. They had a sign in case any Eagles fans try to slip over the border. I was very close to buying some fresh gear at the K-mart but I resisted in the end. I don't really have room in my suitcase for a Steelers piggy bank, salt & pepper shakers, and some new sweatpants (note: thinly veiled Christmas gift ideas).
But back to football and the Thanksgiving Classic. I searched a little history in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this game actually began when the Lions (formerly Spartans) were bought & moved from Ohio to Detroit in 1934. The new owner thought it would be a great way to introduce new fans to the team and created the gimmick of hosting a football game on Thanksgiving Day against my home team the Chicago Bears (the Bears won that game19-16 by the way). The games continued, with Detroit hosting and playing the Bears until 1939. Like most things at that time, WWII ruined it all. But the Lions picked it back up again in 1945 and have hosted the Thanksgiving Classic every year since. In 1966, Texas wanted in on the action and Dallas started hosting an annual Thanksgiving day game too. Now there's a 3rd game, but that has no historical significance and is therefore boring.
The one highlight I did catch, and sent the internet buzzing, was when Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was ejected in the 3rd quarter after holding down Packers lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith and hitting his head against the ground and then kicking him in the chest. It's blatant poor sportsmanship and he deserved to be kicked out of the game. But the real TV gold came after the game when he said it was all an "accident" and that his motions were just a result of him trying to get up after a tackle. Because, you know, it always happens that you bounce your opponent's head off the ground a few times as you're trying to right yourself, and then to avoid falling when you stand up you need to put your foot on their chest. I'm sure this guy will have a great job as a lobbyist a la "Thank You For Smoking" after his NFL career is over with the spin he put on that situation.
