Thanksgiving Day is cherished in the United States not only for its tradition of gratitude and feasting but also for its association with American football. Each year, millions of fans tune in to watch some of the NFL's most storied franchises battle it out on the gridiron, a tradition that evokes nostalgia and excitement alike.
The Roots of Thanksgiving Football
The Thanksgiving football tradition began with the Detroit Lions in 1934. The game was introduced as an innovative marketing strategy to draw spectators to the games. It quickly became a fixture in the American sports calendar, drawing large audiences and transforming Thanksgiving into a day as much about football as family and turkey.
The Lions’ Thanksgiving games have been a remarkable journey, with the team having participated in 84 matches to date, securing 37 victories, facing 45 losses, and two ties. Like many traditions, this one saw an interruption between 1939 and 1944 because of World War II, but it resumed thereafter, regaining its lost momentum and continuing to grow in popularity.
The Dallas Cowboys Join the Tradition
While the Lions introduced the Thanksgiving game, the Dallas Cowboys have become equally synonymous with this cherished tradition, joining the ranks in 1966. Known as "America's Team," the Cowboys have become Thanksgiving stalwarts, missing the event only twice in 1975 and 1977. Since then, they have played 56 games on this day, boasting a solid record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie.
For NFL fans, the absence of the Cowboys on Thanksgiving would feel incomplete, reflecting just how significant their role has become in this holiday spectacle. Both the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have established a legacy that fans eagerly anticipate annually, irrespective of the teams’ current standings in the league.
This Year’s Lineup
The anticipation for this year's Thanksgiving games is palpable. The Detroit Lions will take on the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, continuing their deep-rooted rivalry. The Lions-Bears clash promises to be a hard-fought game as both teams bring a rich history and competitive spirit to the field.
Later in the day, the Dallas Cowboys are set to face the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. This traditional NFC East rivalry is bound to draw large viewership numbers, as both teams have made a habit of playing nail-biting games, and the stakes are always high when these two teams meet.
The Introduction of Primetime
The tradition of a Thanksgiving evening game began more recently, in 2006. This expansion added another layer of excitement for fans who can't get enough football on this holiday. This year, the primetime spotlight will shine on the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers in an 8:20 p.m. ET matchup. Both teams are known for their passionate fan bases, and the contest is likely to generate significant interest across the country.
Notable Absentees
While many teams have graced the Thanksgiving stage, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain one of the few uninitiated in this tradition, having never played a Thanksgiving Day game. This absence raises curiosity and speculation as to when and if the Jaguars will ever be featured in one of these holiday matchups. Given the ever-evolving nature of the NFL schedule, perhaps that day isn't too far off.
Thanksgiving Day football remains more than just tradition; it’s a lifeline for fans who value the nuances of the sport and appreciate being part of a historical continuum that ties generations of sports enthusiasts together. The matchups this year promise not only to entertain but also to remind us once again why this holiday is as synonymous with football as it is with feasting and family gatherings.