The Detroit Lions Don't Deserve To Play on Thanksgiving

Tomorrow's holiday is a time for thanks. 

Thanks for all that we are blessed with each year.  Thanks for good times with family and friends.  Thanks for that great date you went on last week and the fact that you actually got a call back this time.  Thanks for the delicious wings you ate at the sports bar last night.  Finally, in our family a thanks for good football. 

That being said, I have one question:

Why do we have to watch the Detroit Lions every year?

First of all, when is the last time the Lions were relevant to anything? They lost to the Redskins in the playoffs in 1999, and since then have not sniffed the month of January.  After posting a 9-7 record the year after that, they have not been over .500. Furthermore, they are seriously looking at posting the first ever 0-16 season in the NFL's history.

Secondly, the NFL has implemented a "flex game" system.  Why can't this be used for Thanksgiving? 

Instead of seeing a relevant game like the Giants v. Redskins we have to watch the Titans beat the bejesus out of the poor Lions.  No thanks, I'll be napping on the couch at that time.

Can't we punish the Lions for completely ruining their franchise over the last 10 years and take this game away.  The Motor City saw the playoffs six times in the 90s.  Then came Matt Millen and the "let's draft some wide receivers" strategy. 

I can't believe that failed, everyone says you build a football team from the split-ends in.  

The franchise is a joke and has been for years.  So much so that when their QB actually shows confidence/hope and says they will win 10 games one year, he is buried like Jimmy Hoffa by the media.

How does the NFL respond?  By putting them in one of the biggest football spotlights of the year, on national television during Thanksgiving dinner. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen the NFL is proud to present the Detroit Lions." (The voice echoes over the loudspeaker and there are about seven fans clapping in the front row.  It's RB Kevin Smith's family.)

Thank you NFL for this wonderful gift.