Thanksgiving Day in the United States is synonymous with family gatherings, festive meals, and, notably, American football. This enduring tradition ties together the autumn holiday with the thrill of the gridiron, featuring teams whose Thanksgiving Day participation has become an institution. Moreover, this tradition offers fans much to look forward to each year.
The Detroit Lions: Originators of Thanksgiving Games
No team is more closely associated with Thanksgiving football than the Detroit Lions. The Lions' deep-rooted connection to the holiday began in 1934, marking the team as the pioneers of Thanksgiving Day games. These games soon became a staple of the Lions' seasonal schedule, affording them a distinctive place in football's rich tapestry.
The Lions' tradition, however, took an involuntary hiatus from 1939 to 1944 due to World War II. Despite the pause in tradition, the Lions resumed their presence on Thanksgiving with enthusiasm, having now played in 84 Thanksgiving matchups. Over those games, the Lions have amassed a record of 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties, a testament to the competitive spirit synonymous with the franchise.
This year, the Lions will face off against a familiar foe, the Chicago Bears, at 12:30 p.m. ET. It's a matchup that promises to continue the storied rivalry with a new chapter in this historical holiday fixture.
The Dallas Cowboys: Taking the Tradition Forward
While the Lions laid the groundwork for Thanksgiving Day football, the Dallas Cowboys cemented the day's place in modern NFL lore. Beginning their Thanksgiving participation in 1966, the Cowboys quickly became a fixture of the holiday, offering fans across the nation a reason to cheer as they gathered around their televised encounters.
The Cowboys have missed Thanksgiving only twice since they began—the absences in 1975 and 1977 are exceptions rather than the rule. Nonetheless, the Cowboys have maintained a consistent presence, playing in 56 Thanksgiving games to date and achieving a commendable record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie. This pattern of championship-level play reinforces their reputation as one of the NFL's marquee franchises.
On this Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will face the New York Giants, a matchup scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. This promises to be a contest ripe with divisional rivalry and anticipation as both teams aim to make their Thanksgiving imprint.
Primetime Football: A New Tradition
While the Lions and Cowboys have long dominated the daytime Thanksgiving slots, the NFL introduced a new element to the tradition in 2006: the Thanksgiving evening game. This primetime matchup added a fresh layer of excitement to the day's events, allowing fans to enjoy an extra serving of football after the day's earlier nail-biters.
In the most recent installment of this growing tradition, the Miami Dolphins are set to take on the Green Bay Packers in what promises to be an electrifying contest at 8:20 p.m. ET. This game not only rounds out the day but also extends the Thanksgiving celebration well into the night, much to the delight of football enthusiasts.
A Thanksgiving Anomaly
Strikingly absent from the Thanksgiving schedule are the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have yet to grace the field on this holiday. As the NFL continuously evolves and with the growing appeal of Thanksgiving games, it remains to be seen if and when the Jaguars will make their Thanksgiving debut.
The tradition of football on Thanksgiving Day is more than just a series of contests; it's a celebration of American culture, history, and sportsmanship. Between rich rivalries, thrilling matchups, and the unmistakable sounds of cheers mixed with culinary aromas, these games capture the spirit of Thanksgiving. As we gather to share in this beloved tradition, we are reminded of the enduring connection between football and the holiday that brings us together around the simplest yet profound aspects of life: food, family, and fantastic performances on the field.