Thanksgiving Football: A Time-Honored Tradition
Each year, as families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a beloved sports tradition takes place: Thanksgiving Day football games. This tradition is etched in the fabric of American sports culture, with the gridiron hosting some of the country's most memorable moments each holiday. Two teams have become synonymous with this tradition: the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football
The Detroit Lions are the pioneers of this age-old tradition, having held their first Thanksgiving game in 1934. This move was an ambitious attempt to increase fan interest, and it has continued to capture the imagination of football fans nationwide for decades. The Lions' Thanksgiving games temporarily paused from 1939 to 1944 due to World War II, but since then, their presence has been a staple of Turkey Day entertainment.
To date, the Lions have participated in 84 Thanksgiving Day games, securing 37 wins, 45 losses, and experiencing 2 ties. This year's matchup for the Lions promises to be another exciting chapter as they face the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET. The rivalry with the Bears is storied and will surely add another intense encounter to their Thanksgiving legacy.
Dallas Cowboys: A Thanksgiving Fixture Since 1966
The Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966, introducing a new era of football excellence and cementing their place in Thanksgiving lore. Unlike the Lions, the Cowboys only missed playing on Thanksgiving in 1975 and 1977. Over the years, they have played 56 games on Thanksgiving, achieving 33 victories, 22 defeats, and one game ended in a tie.
This year's Thanksgiving game sees the Cowboys taking on the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. This matchup features two of the NFL's most storied franchises, ensuring an afternoon filled with high-stakes action and excitement.
Thanksgiving Evening Showdowns
In 2006, the tradition of Thanksgiving football expanded further with the introduction of a primetime evening game. This addition has brought another layer of excitement to the day's festivities, ensuring fans have a full day of football to enjoy alongside their Thanksgiving meals.
This year's evening game sees the Miami Dolphins set to clash with the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. The primetime slot allows fans to unwind after a day of feasting, as the games capture the nation's attention and spotlight emerging and established talents under the bright lights.
A Few Noteworthy Absences
Interestingly, not all teams have shared in the Thanksgiving Day spotlight. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for instance, have never played on Thanksgiving. This remains a curious footnote in NFL history, given the broader participation of other teams over the years. Whether by tradition or scheduling, some teams remain on the sidelines during this quintessentially American holiday.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving football is more than a game; it's a rite of passage that stretches back nearly 90 years. It’s a day where the sporting calendar aligns with national celebration, bringing families and friends together through shared enthusiasm and the enduring appeal of the National Football League. As the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys once again prepare to battle it out on this iconic day, fans worldwide are ready to witness history in the making.