AITA: Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Drama

Hey, fellow Detroiters. It’s Big Jim, just your average Detroit Lions fanatic, chiming in on a Thanksgiving family drama that feels as Detroit as doing donuts on the lodge and arguing over who has the best coney dogs. The internet’s buzzing about a guy who bailed on his in-laws because they refused to let him watch the Lions game. Is he the bad guy? Look, as someone who’s spent decades watching the Lions be the Lions, I totally get where he’s coming from (most of us do, right?) But this year, the team is electric, and missing a game is practically sacrilege (did you see all the love Tom Brady gave us?), But before you torch your Thanksgiving bridge, maybe there’s a middle ground.

AITAO: In-laws refusing to turn the Lions game on today

Hello Lions community. Life long die hard Lions fan here. I've probably seen almost every game since I was 5 years old and have watched every Thanksgiving with my grandparents over family dinner before they passed.

My family and I are doing Thanksgiving with my in-laws this year and they are not all that into sports. We arrived about an hour ago and everything was going great right up until I asked which TV would have the game on today. They looked dumbfounded and proceeded to tell me that Thanksgiving isn't about sports, it's about family. I made my case that this is not just a tradition in my family, but a NATIONAL ONE! I was sincere and even offered to go in another room. They are standing their ground. But so am I. This is a Thanksgiving dealbreaker for me. I told my wife I wanted to leave and go somewhere else but made sure they knew they are more than welcome to stay. I didn't want to force anyone else to leave on my behalf. I drove to my brothers to eat with my family but now her and the kids and the entire family are mad at me for ruining Thanksgiving over sports.

Am I the a**hole here?

First off, my dude, you’re not alone. For us Lions fans, Thanksgiving football isn’t just a game; it’s a sacred ritual. And this year? We’ve got a team that’s not only winning but making people believe. If there’s ever a year to insist on football, it’s this one.

But let’s talk alternatives. Instead of walking out, what if you brought Thanksgiving into the 21st century? Stream the game on your phone or tablet (headphones optional but recommended unless you enjoy in-law glares). Or how about an NFL-Lite version of family bonding? Use commercial breaks to mingle and let the kids explain TikTok to you. And hey, if all else fails, maybe offer to host next year’s Thanksgiving at your house. Turkey, stuffing, and a living room where Lions football reigns supreme. The definition of WIN WIN baby!

So, are you the bad guy? Maybe a little. But you’re also the guy who stood his ground for a city, a tradition, and a team that’s finally giving us something to believe in. THAT'S GRIT. And pretty damn Detroit of you. Go Lions.