Detroit
Lions
![Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders runs with the football.](/media/5171/team-histories_lions_barry-sanders.jpg?width=685&height=441&quality=85&rnd=133367711325970000)
Barry Sanders - RB - 15,269 Rushing Yards
AP via Doug Mills
Barry Sanders - RB - 15,269 Rushing Yards
AP via Doug Mills
The Detroit Lions started the Thanksgiving Day football game tradition in 1934 and have played on the holiday every season since, except for a brief gap from 1939-44.
*Sacks prior to 1982 are not official