Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a cherished occasion, and alongside turkey and cranberry sauce, American football has become an essential part of the celebration. This long-standing tradition has roots dating back to 1934 when the Detroit Lions initiated the practice of hosting a game on Thanksgiving. However, the tradition has grown to include not just games, but a spectacle that fans eagerly anticipate every year.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football
The Lions' journey as Thanksgiving game hosts began when team owner George A. Richards sought to boost attendance and gain publicity for his relatively new team. This move transformed Thanksgiving Day football into a national spectacle. Despite the interruption from 1939 to 1944 due to World War II, the tradition resumed and has become a constant feature of the holiday.
To-date, the Lions have appeared in 84 Thanksgiving games. Their record is a mixed bag with 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. This trajectory reflects the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of sports but also highlights the Lions' consistent dedication to this enduring tradition. This year, the Lions are set to kick off against the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, promising fans another exciting chapter in this storied event.
The Dallas Cowboys: A Mid-Century Entrant
The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day football lineup in 1966, bringing with them a flair and energy that complemented Detroit's long-standing tradition. Since then, they have been a fixture on the holiday, electrifying audiences with their star-studded performances.
The Cowboys missed hosting only two Thanksgiving games, in 1975 and 1977, due to the NFL's decision to feature the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet, each year they have been involved, they have consistently captivated fans. With a record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie in their 56 Thanksgiving appearances, the Cowboys have built a formidable reputation on this day. This year, as they face off against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET, fan excitement is palpable.
Thanksgiving Evening Games: A Modern Addition
While the Lions and Cowboys have established the day's historical significance, the Thanksgiving evening game is a relatively new tradition, having started in 2006. This addition caters to fans who enjoy a full day of football festivities, extending the excitement into primetime.
This year's evening matchup features the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers, starting at 8:20 p.m. ET. This primetime slot provides teams less frequently seen on Thanksgiving a chance to shine and brings additional layers of suspense and entertainment to the day's proceedings.
The Unfamiliar and the Expected
Despite the varied matchups over the years, not all NFL teams have had the honor of playing on Thanksgiving. Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars have never been part of this tradition. Such omissions offer a unique perspective on how Thanksgiving games are often associated with historical legacy and team popularity, rather than a rotational schedule.
In contrast, the consistency of teams like the Lions and Cowboys reflects how tradition and football have intertwined in American culture. Thanksgiving games are not just about the sport but also about community, continuity, and the shared joy of the holiday.
For Americans, football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as the meal itself. The allure lies in the unpredictable outcomes on the field, the tradition passed down through generations, and the shared excitement it brings families and friends across the nation. As this year's triple-header approaches, fans will undoubtedly relish the action, building memories reminiscent of past greats and emblematic of the current stars.
