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Why do Detroit Lions have ‘WCF’ on their Thanksgiving jerseys?

The Detroit Lions take on the Green Bay Packers in a Thanksgiving clash at Ford Field.

The Lions play on Turkey Day every year - a tradition that dates back to 1934.

The Lions have had a strong start to the season and are 8-2 for the first time since 1962
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The Lions have had a strong start to the season and are 8-2 for the first time since 1962Credit: Getty

During the game, you may notice a curious 'WCF' jersey patch on the left sleeve of the Lions' uniform.

The initials are unique to the Lions and are a homage to an important figure in the franchise's history.

What is the meaning of the Detroit Lions 'WCF' patch on their Thanksgiving jerseys?

There's no cryptic meaning to the letters 'WCF' on the Lions jerseys.

The initials are simply in honour to former team owner William Clay Ford - WCF - the youngest grandson of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, who owned the Lions from 1963 until his death in 2014.

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William Clay Ford’s daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, is now the principal owner of the franchise.

The 'WCF' initials have appeared on the Lions uniforms since the 2014 season, and became a permanent fixture in 2016.

The future of the 'WCF' sleeve patch remains uncertain though. The NFL allows teams to change their uniforms once every five years, which means the Lions - who last rolled out new uniforms in 2017 - could potentially have a new look next season.

However, team president Rod Wood said recently that no decisions have been made about the 'WCF' patch.

The Lions have not won on Thanksgiving since they beat the Vikings in 2016
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The Lions have not won on Thanksgiving since they beat the Vikings in 2016Credit: Getty

Lions don't have the best Thanksgiving record

Thanksgiving has not been a particularly joyous occasion for Lions fans over the years.

Across their previous 83 Thanksgiving matchups the Lions have a 37-44-2 record.

The last time they won on the day was in 2016 against the Minnesota Vikings, who they beat, 16-13.

However, this year could be the year they break their recent Thanksgiving curse. They're 8-2 so far this season and take on a Packers team who are 4-6.

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