Thanksgiving Football: A Storied Tradition
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is synonymous with family gatherings, sumptuous feasts, and a time-honored tradition that draws millions to television screens across the nation: American football. This particular holiday has an enduring link to the NFL, bringing a unique blend of sports and celebration that dates back nearly a century.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of the Thanksgiving Game
It was in 1934 that the Detroit Lions initiated the tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving Day. The team, which was relocated to Detroit that year, sought a way to attract more fans to their games. George A. Richards, the owner of the Lions, was inspired by the success of radio broadcasts and believed a Thanksgiving game would be an effective promotional vehicle. His gamble paid off, and the Lions’ Thanksgiving tradition was born.
However, like many aspects of American life, football was not immune to the disruptions caused by World War II. The Lions paused their Thanksgiving games from 1939 to 1944. Today, their storied tradition continues, and the Lions have played 84 such games, achieving a record of 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. This year's matchup promises to be another exciting chapter as the Lions face off against the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Dallas Cowboys: Adding Lone Star Flair
The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day lineup much later, hosting their first holiday game in 1966. Their addition brought a Texas flair to the tradition, offering fans a second marquee matchup to enjoy before sitting down for turkey and trimmings. The Cowboys' involvement has been incredibly consistent, with just two exceptions—in 1975 and 1977. Overall, the Cowboys have played 56 Thanksgiving games and have accumulated a record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie.
This year, Cowboys fans can look forward to an electrifying game against the New York Giants, scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET. The contest promises high energy and fierce competition, hallmarks of this traditional rivalry.
The Evening Game: A Growing Thanksgiving Tradition
While the afternoon games have a long history, the NFL introduced a Thanksgiving evening game in 2006 to great success. This addition gives football fans a chance to indulge in more NFL action after the midday games have concluded. The evening matchup adds a primetime spectacle to cap off the day’s festivities wonderfully.
This year, the Miami Dolphins will lock horns with the Green Bay Packers in an enticing primetime showdown at 8:20 p.m. ET. With both teams known for their dynamic play styles and eager fan bases, this game will undoubtedly provide a fitting end to a football-filled day.
Notable Absences
While several teams have carved out a presence in Thanksgiving history, others remain conspicuously absent. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for instance, have yet to participate in a Thanksgiving Day game since the team’s inception in the 1990s. As the years progress, one wonders which currently absent teams may break the turkey-themed barrier in the future.
As fans across the nation gather around dining tables and television sets this Thanksgiving, they continue to partake in a beloved American tradition. For nearly 90 years, Thanksgiving football has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans, offering a perfect blend of sportsmanship and festivity. The Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and now the Miami Dolphins are poised once more to be at the center of this grand annual spectacle, making indelible marks in the annals of this unique chapter of American sports culture.