Why do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?

Every year since 1934, the Detroit Lions have taken the field for a Thanksgiving game, no matter how bad their record has been. When this year’s 7-3 squad squares off against the undefeated Green Bay Packers, you might find yourself wondering why the Lions get the plum gig of playing a nationally televised game every Turkey Day. So what’s the origin of Detroit’s most beloved football tradition this side of the old “Fire Millen!” chants? And what about the other…