Thanksgiving NFL Games: Teams And History

Thanksgiving Day is synonymous with family, food, and football. For many Americans, settling in to watch NFL games is as much a part of the holiday tradition as turkey and pumpkin pie. But who exactly plays football on Thanksgiving? This comprehensive guide will dive into the history, the teams, and the tradition of Thanksgiving Day NFL games.

The History of Thanksgiving Day Football

The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, it was college football games that took center stage on Turkey Day. The first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton. As the popularity of professional football grew, the NFL began to establish its presence on Thanksgiving. The NFL's Thanksgiving tradition officially began in 1934, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Chicago Bears. This move by Lions owner George A. Richards was a strategic one, aimed at boosting the team's profile in a crowded sports market. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since, except during the World War II years.

Another team that has become a Thanksgiving Day fixture is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day lineup in 1966 and have played almost every year since. Their consistent presence on Thanksgiving has solidified their place in the holiday tradition. The NFL's decision to feature the Lions and Cowboys annually has created a sense of continuity and tradition for fans, making these games a highly anticipated part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Over the years, the Thanksgiving Day games have become a significant part of the NFL calendar, drawing large television audiences and contributing to the holiday's festive atmosphere. The tradition not only provides entertainment but also brings families and friends together, making it a cherished part of American culture.

Which Teams Play on Thanksgiving?

Traditionally, two NFL teams have a guaranteed spot in the Thanksgiving Day lineup: the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. This tradition has been in place for decades, making their games a staple of the holiday. The Lions always host a game, typically in the early afternoon, while the Cowboys host a game later in the afternoon. The third Thanksgiving Day game, which is played in primetime, features different teams each year, adding variety to the schedule and allowing other NFL franchises to participate in the holiday tradition.

The Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day game is a long-standing tradition, dating back to 1934. The Lions have used this annual game to build their brand and connect with fans. Despite having a mixed record on Thanksgiving, the Lions' presence on the holiday schedule is a constant. Their game often draws a large crowd, and the atmosphere at Ford Field is electric. The Dallas Cowboys also have a rich Thanksgiving Day history, having played on the holiday since 1966. The Cowboys' games are known for their festive atmosphere, with the team often sporting special uniforms or hosting halftime shows with major musical acts. The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game is a major event in Dallas, attracting fans from all over the country.

The third game of the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader is a rotating matchup, featuring different teams each year. This primetime game allows the NFL to showcase some of its top teams and most exciting matchups. The selection of teams for the primetime game often depends on the current season's standings and rivalries. This rotating matchup adds an element of unpredictability to the Thanksgiving Day schedule, ensuring that fans have something new to look forward to each year. The primetime game often features some of the league's top quarterbacks and most exciting offenses, making it a must-watch event for football fans.

Why the Lions and Cowboys Always Play

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are Thanksgiving Day fixtures for historical and strategic reasons. The Lions' Thanksgiving tradition began in 1934 under owner George A. Richards, who wanted to boost the team's profile. The Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966, and their consistent presence has solidified their place in the holiday lineup. These annual games provide a consistent draw for fans and contribute significantly to the NFL's Thanksgiving Day appeal.

George A. Richards, the owner of the Detroit Lions in the 1930s, recognized the potential of playing on Thanksgiving to attract fans and build the team's brand. His decision to host a game on Thanksgiving was a bold move at the time, but it paid off handsomely. The Lions' Thanksgiving Day game quickly became a tradition, and the team has been a fixture on the holiday schedule ever since. The Lions' commitment to playing on Thanksgiving has helped them cultivate a loyal fan base and establish themselves as a key part of the holiday tradition.

The Dallas Cowboys, under the leadership of General Manager Tex Schramm, began playing on Thanksgiving in 1966. Schramm saw the Thanksgiving Day game as an opportunity to showcase the Cowboys to a national audience. The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day games have become legendary, often featuring memorable moments and performances. The team's consistent presence on Thanksgiving has made them one of the most recognizable brands in the NFL. The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day games are not just football games; they are major entertainment events, drawing large crowds and generating significant media attention.

The NFL benefits from having these two teams as Thanksgiving Day staples because it creates a sense of tradition and continuity. Fans know that they can count on watching the Lions and Cowboys on Thanksgiving, which helps to build anticipation for the holiday games. The games also provide a valuable platform for the NFL to showcase its product to a large audience. The Thanksgiving Day games are among the most-watched NFL games of the season, drawing millions of viewers. The NFL leverages this platform to promote the league and its teams, making Thanksgiving Day a crucial part of its marketing strategy.

Memorable Thanksgiving Day Games

Over the years, there have been numerous memorable Thanksgiving Day games that have captivated audiences and added to the holiday's football lore. From thrilling comebacks to historic performances, these games have become part of NFL history. Here are a few examples of memorable Thanksgiving Day games:

One classic Thanksgiving Day game is the 1993 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. In this game, a rare snowstorm blanketed the field, creating a picturesque backdrop for a dramatic finish. The Dolphins were leading by two points with seconds remaining when Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett infamously slid into the loose ball on a blocked field goal attempt, allowing the Dolphins to recover the ball and secure the victory. This game is remembered not only for the exciting finish but also for the unusual weather conditions that added to the spectacle.

Another memorable Thanksgiving Day game is the 1998 contest between the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys. Vikings rookie wide receiver Randy Moss had a breakout performance, catching three passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Moss's dominant performance helped the Vikings defeat the Cowboys 46-36 and cemented his status as one of the league's rising stars. This game is remembered for Moss's incredible athleticism and his ability to make game-changing plays.

The 2012 Thanksgiving Day game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots is also noteworthy. In this game, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez committed a bizarre turnover, running into the backside of his teammate and fumbling the ball, which was then recovered by the Patriots for a touchdown. This play, known as the