Thanksgiving Day and American Football: An Enduring Tradition
Thanksgiving Day and American football - a combination as cherished and traditional as turkey and stuffing. Each year, families across the United States rescue themselves from food comas by tuning into a full slate of NFL matchups that have, over the decades, become a beloved Thanksgiving ritual.
The pairing of Thanksgiving and football takes root in 1934, planted by a forward-thinking Detroit Lions' owner looking to draw fans to his newly established team. Well before the advent of televised sports, this bold initiative was designed to give families a post-feast spectacle. Despite the economic strains of the Great Depression, the event proved successful, etching the Lions' Thanksgiving Day game into the fabric of American sports culture.
From 1939 to 1944, the tradition temporarily halted because of World War II. These years marked a pause in an otherwise unbroken legacy. Since resuming play, the Lions have taken the field on Thanksgiving Day 84 times, recording 37 victories, 45 losses, and two ties. This year's Thanksgiving matchup promises to add another chapter to their storied history as they take on the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Dallas Cowboys, another staple of Thanksgiving Day football, added their chapter to this tradition in 1966. The Cowboys' entry into Thanksgiving games was similarly driven by strategic planning - an attempt to boost the team's visibility and fan base. Exciting, high-stakes games soon followed, cementing the Cowboys as an annual Thanksgiving attraction.
Since their inauguration into the Thanksgiving circuit, the Cowboys have left their mark on 56 games, achieving 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie. Save for brief intermissions in 1975 and 1977, their presence has been a constant, eagerly anticipated by fans. This year's competition fortifies this tradition further as the Cowboys meet the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET in what promises to be a hardcore rival clash sure to entertain and engage.
In 2006, the tradition of evening games was introduced. This progression mirrors a broadening of tastes and the league's willingness to embrace primetime spectacle. Such games offer a third helping of football to fans who haven’t had their fill with the earlier matchups. This year, the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers are set to delight spectators in the nightcap at 8:20 p.m. ET, offering a dose of football under the lights.
Despite the long list of teams woven into this annual tapestry, not every NFL team has graced the Thanksgiving stage. Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain without a Thanksgiving game in their history - a curious absence given the breadth of teams over the years. As they strive to carve their niche in the league's storied landscape, perhaps a Thanksgiving Day spotlight awaits them in the future.
For now, the Lions, Cowboys, and this year’s lineup of visiting teams keep the legacy alive and thriving. As American families gather to celebrate the holiday, the games continue to be an integral part of the Thanksgiving experience, sharing in the tradition of camaraderie, competition, and unyielding spirit inherent in both the sport and the holiday.