As the autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, Americans prepare to embrace a cherished tradition that transcends the Thanksgiving meal: the annual spectacle of NFL games that have become as synonymous with the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. This longstanding tradition sees thousands of football fans gather around their televisions, and millions more fill stadiums to watch their beloved teams take to the gridiron. It’s a ritual rich in history, underscored by rivalry, and buoyed by generations of gridiron greatness.
The Heart of Tradition: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been the cornerstone of Thanksgiving Day football since they first took to the field on that festive day in 1934. In a time when the nation sought diversion during the Great Depression, the innovation of playing on Thanksgiving proved to be an inspired decision. George A. Richards, then owner of the Lions, cemented what would become an indelible part of Thanksgiving lore, attracting tens of thousands to the stadium and millions to their radios.
However, the Lions' Thanksgiving tradition experienced a hiatus during the years of World War II, from 1939 to 1944, mirroring the era's somber mood and logistical constraints. Despite the gap, the Lions' Thanksgiving games resumed post-war, anchoring the team permanently in the annals of holiday sports tradition.
Over the decades, the Lions have battled fiercely on this day, taking part in 84 Thanksgiving games. Their record stands at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties—a testament to both their resilience and the fierce competition they've faced over the years. This Thanksgiving, the Lions are set to take on the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, a clash that promises to rekindle the storied rivalry between the two franchises.
America’s Team: Dallas Cowboys
Join a few decades later, in 1966, the Dallas Cowboys also made Thanksgiving Day their own. Often dubbed "America’s Team," the Cowboys quickly became a fan favorite for their consistency and star-powered rosters. Opting for Thanksgiving as a platform increased their visibility and offered fans across the nation another reason to look forward to the holiday besides culinary delights.
The Cowboys briefly paused their Thanksgiving Day appearances in 1975 and 1977, replaced by the then-St. Louis Cardinals, but returned to the holiday lineup due to popular demand and the natural fit of the tradition. To date, the Cowboys have played 56 games on Thanksgiving, with an impressive record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie.
This year, the Cowboys will line up against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET, promising a thrilling contest in keeping with the franchise’s tradition of producing memorable moments on the holiday stage.
The Nightcap: A New Tradition
In 2006, the NFL introduced a Thanksgiving night game, adding a new chapter to the holiday’s football saga. This innovation gave fans a full day of coverage, with games stretching from early afternoon to late evening. It’s become a prime-time spectacle, adding yet another layer of excitement to an already vibrant tradition.
This year, the Miami Dolphins are slated to meet the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET, a faceoff that features teams with passionate fan bases and storied histories. The Dolphins, with their South Florida flair, and the Packers, coming from the heart of the Midwest’s NFL heartland, infuse the night with regional pride and competitive spirit.
The Uncharted Territory: Jacksonville Jaguars
While Thanksgiving football thrives, not all teams have partaken in the Turkey Day tradition. Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars have yet to grace the Thanksgiving stage. As one of the NFL's newer franchises, it remains to be seen when the league might extend the invite to the Jaguars, allowing them to establish their own Thanksgiving legacy.
Thanksgiving Day football continues to be one of the most beloved and enduring traditions in sports. As families gather, stories of past games are recounted, legendary plays are celebrated, and new memories are forged with each new matchup. Whether you are a diehard Detroit Lions supporter, a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, or just someone who relishes the excitement of the game alongside a hearty meal, Thanksgiving's football tradition offers something for everyone—a reminder of the unifying power of sport in our cultural tapestry.