Thanksgiving Day Football: A Storied Tradition
For generations, Thanksgiving Day in the United States has been synonymous with American football. As families across the nation gather to celebrate the holiday with turkeys and trimmings, fans also indulge in another cherished tradition: watching the pigskin being tossed on the gridiron. This annual ritual has become as integral to Thanksgiving as the meal itself.
The Lions' Legacy
It all started back in 1934 with the Detroit Lions, a team steeped in tradition. Seeking to drum up interest in their franchise, the Lions scheduled a game on Thanksgiving Day, a move that birth a beloved tradition. Over the decades, the Lions have become an indelible part of Thanksgiving, playing in a staggering 84 games to date. Though their record stands at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties, the Lions’ participation transcends the scoreboard; it’s an enduring legacy that has persisted through epochs. Notably, their Thanksgiving games were put on hold from 1939 to 1944, as the United States was engrossed in World War II. This year, the team will face off against the Chicago Bears, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. ET, continuing a narrative that has captivated fans for nearly a century.
Cowboys' Thanksgiving Tradition
While the Lions may have initiated the tradition, the Dallas Cowboys have helped popularize it further since 1966. With 56 Thanksgiving Day games under their belt, the Cowboys have emerged victorious 33 times, suffering 22 losses and earning one tie. Their involvement was briefly interrupted, missing games in 1975 and 1977, but since then, America's Team has been a staple of the Thanksgiving lineup. This year, the Cowboys hold their tradition as they welcome the New York Giants to their turf at 4:30 p.m. ET. This long-standing rivalry added to the promise of spectacle and spirited competition provides spectators a thrilling post-turkey treat.
Prime Time on Thanksgiving
The tradition of a Thanksgiving evening game is a more recent addition, having started in 2006. This prime-time slot ensures that viewers can end their holiday with another exciting tilt under the lights. This year, the Miami Dolphins will face the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET, adding a final flourish to a day steeped in football-filled festivities.
The Unfamiliar Jaguars
While some teams are mainstays of Thanksgiving football, others have yet to experience the spotlight on this iconic holiday. One such team is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite being a part of the NFL since 1995, the Jaguars have never played on Thanksgiving Day. While they remain absent from this year's lineup, the allure of Thanksgiving football leaves the door open to potential future appearances.
A Day of Gridiron Glory
As the nation sits down for Thanksgiving, the day promises to deliver more than just culinary delights. With fixtures from historic franchises like the Lions and Cowboys, and the excitement of a prime-time game featuring the Dolphins and Packers, Thanksgiving Day promises a triple header of unforgettable football action. In many households, this tradition adds layers to the celebrations, bringing families together in front of screens to share in the passion and unpredictability of NFL football.
Thanksgiving football encapsulates what fans love most about the game: tradition, competition, and community. It’s about the familiar roar of the crowd, the nail-biting tension of close games, and the chance for families to bond over shared allegiances. As the echoes of the referee’s whistle resound and the players take the field, this annual tradition continues to bring immense joy and unites fans across the nation, reaffirming football’s cherished place in the heart of Thanksgiving Day celebrations.