The Detroit Lions have long been part of many people’s Thanksgiving traditions, including those of current and former NFL players.

As the holiday approaches, players across the league have been reflecting on the memories they’ve carried with them from childhood—most involving family gatherings, big meals and the annual slate of NFL games.

For Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, this year marks his first time taking the field on Thanksgiving. The 28-year-old is preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens, a notable step in his return after missing time since Week 2 due to surgery on a significant turf toe issue.

While speaking with reporters before the matchup, Burrow offered a lighthearted remark about the Lions’ history on the holiday, noting that they weren’t exactly known for racking up wins when he was growing up.

“Like a lot of kids, you’d eat with your family and then settle in on the couch because the only thing on TV was football,” Burrow recalled. “It was always the Lions playing someone. You’d watch Matthew Stafford throw for a ton of yards to Calvin Johnson, and usually they’d end up losing. But it was still entertaining. Those were the times that made me want to be one of the players out there someday.”

Even with the Bengals sitting at 3–8, the former No. 1 pick insisted he was determined to return and finish out the year.

“From where I stand, I’m a football player,” Burrow said. “If I get hurt, I rehab. And when I’m ready, I tell everyone I can play. I’d never say, ‘I’m healthy, but I’m not going to go out there.’ I refuse to live in fear of what might happen.”

Meanwhile, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke Tuesday about what this year’s Thanksgiving home game against the Green Bay Packers means to him.

“To me, it’s an opportunity,” Campbell said. “It’s back on us again, which is exciting. You crank everything back up. You only get a few days to put everything together to help your guys prepare. Their mindset is right, and then you just unleash them—let them play, let them compete.”

Campbell added that the stage only makes it better: “Big opponent. Strong team. Division rival. Thanksgiving. Opening game of the day. You really couldn’t ask for more.”