The Tradition of Thanksgiving Football
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is synonymous with family gatherings, turkey dinners, and a longstanding tradition that has captured the hearts of millions of sports fans—American football. At the heart of this celebration are the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, two franchises that have become an integral part of the Thanksgiving landscape, each with its own storied history of holiday matchups.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football
The Detroit Lions hold the distinction of being the pioneers of the Thanksgiving football tradition, kicking it all off in 1934. The enduring appeal of their Thanksgiving games lies in their ability to bring families together, carving out moments for fans to root for their team amidst the holiday festivities. The Lions' annual tradition, however, saw a pause from 1939 to 1944 due to World War II, as the nation was gripped by events far more significant than sports.
Over the years, the Lions have been involved in 84 Thanksgiving games, showcasing both triumphs and struggles on their way to a record that includes 37 wins, 45 losses, and two ties. This year, the Lions will face off against the Chicago Bears, renewing a classic rivalry at 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans will hope to see their team add another win to their Thanksgiving record, as the game unfolds before a nationwide audience.
The Rise of the Dallas Cowboys as Thanksgiving Mainstays
While the Lions established the tradition, the Dallas Cowboys brought it to a new level of popularity. Starting in 1966, the Cowboys' Thanksgiving games have since become a fixture in American sports culture. With the exception of 1975 and 1977, when they surprisingly missed out on the holiday stage, the Cowboys have solidified their presence across 56 games, earning 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie.
This year's clash will see the Cowboys take on the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET, promising another exciting chapter in this historic tradition. Each Thanksgiving, the Cowboys rally their vast fan base with the promise of thrilling football and the allure of competing on a day steeped in historical significance.
A New Era: The Evening Game Tradition
In recent years, a new element has been added to Thanksgiving football—an evening game that expands the day's football offering well into the primetime viewing slot. Since its inception in 2006, this new tradition has offered fans an extra dose of action to cap off their holiday.
This year’s evening showdown features the Miami Dolphins taking on the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET, providing fans with a compelling matchup to end their Thanksgiving Day. As interest in this primetime game grows, it highlights the ever-evolving landscape of Thanksgiving football and the eagerness of fans to embrace new traditions while cherishing the old.
Not in the Spotlight: The Jacksonville Jaguars
While many NFL teams have basked in the Thanksgiving limelight, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain absent from the tradition. Their absence from the Thanksgiving schedule is notable and perhaps surprising, considering the league's efforts to showcase its teams on significant dates. As fans speculate when the Jaguars might finally join the Thanksgiving stage, the holiday remains an exclusive occasion for a select few franchises.
The Thanksgiving football tradition continues to be a cherished part of the American sports calendar, bringing together fans, families, and teams in a celebration of both competition and camaraderie. With storied histories and new narratives unfolding each year, the Thanksgiving games provide a unique backdrop where memories are forged and legacies are built, ensuring that football remains an integral part of this festive day for generations to come.