An American Tradition: Thanksgiving and Football
As millions of Americans sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, a distinct slice of tradition plays out on television screens across the country: football. For decades, Thanksgiving Day has been synonymous with American football games, a tradition that adds a festive spirit to the holiday. Leading this charge of tradition are two storied franchises—the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys—who have firmly etched their legacy with feature games on this holiday.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football
The Detroit Lions hold the distinction of initiating this Thanksgiving football tradition. It all began in 1934 when the Lions took to the field on this day of gratitude. The tradition, however, was momentarily halted during the tumultuous years of World War II, from 1939 to 1944. Yet, once peace was restored, the Lions resumed their Thanksgiving ritual, providing fans an annual feast of football.
Over the years, the Lions have played a remarkable 84 Thanksgiving games, holding a record consisting of 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. This year, the Lions are set to face off against the Chicago Bears, with kickoff scheduled at 12:30 p.m. ET—an event eagerly awaited by fans aiming for their team to add another victory to their holiday record.
The Dallas Cowboys: A Thanksgiving Fixture Since 1966
While the Lions may have started the Thanksgiving Day games, the Dallas Cowboys have become equally intrinsic to the tradition since they began participating in 1966. With two notable exceptions in 1975 and 1977, when the Cowboys did not host a game, their association with Thanksgiving has been unbroken.
As of this year, the Cowboys have participated in 56 Thanksgiving clashes. Their impressive record boasts 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie. This year's matchup features a highly-anticipated game against the New York Giants, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. ET. Known for their passionate fanbase and storied rivalries, the Cowboys' Thanksgiving games are always a spectacle of skill and spirit.
The Tradition Expands: Primetime Football on Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving football feast expanded in 2006 to include a primetime evening game, ensuring fans have continuous action from afternoon to the end of the day. This expansion reflects the growing appetite for football among fans, offering more teams the opportunity to be part of the Thanksgiving tradition.
This year, the Miami Dolphins will square off against the Green Bay Packers, engaging audiences nationwide at 8:20 p.m. ET. As the concluding act of an action-packed day, this primetime game promises to deliver no less excitement and drama than its predecessors.
Not All Teams Make the Thanksgiving Cut
Interestingly, not all NFL teams have had the chance to play on Thanksgiving Day. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for instance, have never been featured in a Thanksgiving game. This absence highlights both the exclusivity and tradition that comes with being part of America’s Thanksgiving football story. For the teams that do play, it’s an honor that brings with it a history steeped in community, celebration, and the thrill of the game itself.
The marriage of football and Thanksgiving transcends generations and locales, binding fans in a national celebration of togetherness through sport. Whether seated in a stadium or watching from the comfort of their homes, fans partake in a tradition that unites across time zones and team allegiances. This year, as fans settle into their seats and players take their positions on the field, the roar of the crowd and the sound of the whistle signal more than just a game; they echo the enduring tradition of Thanksgiving football—an American classic.