ALLEN PARK: Simply put, Thursday is a big day for several Detroit Lions players.
It’s not just because Thursday is another test in their pursuit for a division title, when they play the Green Bay Packers for the traditional holiday duel, but also because it’s Thanksgiving Day. This is a time for players to unwind, walk away from the game, and spend quality time with loved ones that they don’t usually receive during the season.
MLive spoke with several Lions players ahead of the annual Thanksgiving Day game to learn about their family traditions, favorite and least favorite foods, and the answer to the most important question in the world — one on which their head coach has an opinion: which pie is better between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie.
Here’s how they responded:
What other traditions do you and your family have during this time of year besides the Thanksgiving Day game?
“It’s just more of a gathering period for us to all be in the same space together, enjoy each other’s company,” says Josh Reynolds. That’s all there is to it. We do our standard—I wouldn’t say standard size, but our traditional size. This year, I think we’ll try something new. I think my wife is trying to be creative with the food, so we’ll see what she comes up with.”
“We spend quality time,” says Tracy Walker III. We simply want to go spend some quality family time that you don’t generally get during the Christmas season, so it’s a terrific holiday for that, and it’s a beautiful time to rejoice.”
“We got some dishes!” exclaimed Kalif Raymond. My sister makes mac and cheese. My mother prepares some delicious dinners. We play several games. We played Heads Up for a few years and then Phase 10.”
“If it’s just a regular Thanksgiving, we’ll be down at Grandma’s house,” Alim McNeill says. The entire family will be present, but it will be nothing out of the ordinary. We simply eat down there. Our entire family would be present. We’ll be watching the (Thanksgiving Day) games, not knowing that I’d be playing in them now. “I’m just chilling and relaxing.”
What do you generally put on your first Thanksgiving plate? What’s your favorite combination or “go-to” plate?
“Honestly, everything that’s cooked—I need everything that was made that day,” Reynolds says. It doesn’t matter what it is; whatever it is, guy. If we don’t have any stuffing, give me something else, I don’t know, man. To be honest, I eat everything. I just made my plate for myself, and I’m off to town.”
“I have to have the collard greens and the macaroni and cheese,” Walker III says. Cornbread is definitely required. A sweet potato pie is unquestionably required. You are welcome to eat turkey. Actually, where I’m from, we have ribs and all that, so it’s just how you grew up. But, yes,
