Thanksgiving in the United States is synonymous with family gatherings, hearty meals, and, of course, football. As millions of Americans prepare to carve their turkeys, they also prepare to settle in front of their televisions for a longstanding sporting tradition. At the heart of this tradition are the iconic Thanksgiving Day games played by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, two teams whose holiday exploits have become a staple of American culture.
The Lions: Pioneers of a Thanksgiving Tradition
The Detroit Lions hold the distinction of kicking off this time-honored tradition. It all began back in 1934 when the Lions hosted the first-ever Thanksgiving Day game. Since then, the Lions have become synonymous with Thanksgiving football, becoming a fixture despite taking a hiatus during the turbulent years of World War II, from 1939 to 1944.
This year, the Lions will face the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, marking another chapter in their storied Thanksgiving history. Over the years, the Lions have played 84 Thanksgiving games, accumulating a record of 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. As they prepare to take on the Bears, hopes are high that they can add another tally to the win column, rekindling the spirits of past glories.
The Cowboys Ride into Thanksgiving Lore
The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving roster much later, starting in 1966, but they've firmly entrenched themselves as a key component of the holiday's football festivities. The Cowboys' introduction to Thanksgiving Day games brought with it the spectacle and grandeur that has defined the team's national brand.
Despite missing out on games in 1975 and 1977, the Cowboys have managed to play in 56 Thanksgiving contests, boasting an impressive record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie. This year, they will go head-to-head with the New York Giants, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. For fans, it's an opportunity to watch one of the classic rivalries in the sport unfold on a day dedicated to both reflection and celebration.
Primetime Football: A Newer Thanksgiving Fixture
Thanksgiving evening games are a more recent addition, having begun just in 2006. The evening slot has offered audiences a chance to settle into the day with a final match that serves as the dessert to their football feast. This year, the Miami Dolphins take the stage against the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. It's a game that promises to bring the day to a thrilling close, highlighting emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike.
While Thanksgiving games often spotlight the tradition-rich franchises like the Lions and Cowboys, not every team has found its way into this distinct schedule. Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars have never played on Thanksgiving Day. Whether they will ever join this exclusive club remains a point of speculation.
The Thanksgiving football tradition not only provides a sense of continuity and nostalgia for fans but also serves as an emblematic reminder of the sport's deeply embedded place in the American cultural tapestry. For many fans, these games are more than mere matches—they are a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a hopeful glimpse into the future of the game they cherish.
As the nation gathers to give thanks, these three games offer a shared experience, drawing together families and communities through the highs and lows of each contest. Each year, Thanksgiving football reinforces the bonds of fellowship and rivalry, making it a beloved holiday cornerstone. After all, in the realm of American sports traditions, nothing quite matches the vibrant spirit and enduring appeal of Thanksgiving Day football.