Gridiron Traditions: Thanksgiving Day Football in the U.S.
Thanksgiving in the United States isn't just about turkey and family; it's also synonymous with the beloved tradition of American football. Every year, fans across the nation gather to watch what has become a staple of the holiday: the Thanksgiving Day games. Central to this tradition are two iconic franchises: the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football
The Detroit Lions hold the historical significance of being the pioneers of Thanksgiving Day football. In 1934, a bold move by Lions’ owner George A. Richards saw the team host the very first Thanksgiving Day game. The idea was a marketing strategy to boost attendance by playing on a day where the nation was ready for entertainment. It was a successful initiative that entrenched football firmly into the Thanksgiving Day tradition.
World War II brought a temporary halt to this burgeoning tradition, with no games from 1939 to 1944. Nevertheless, the Lions resumed their Thanksgiving Day appearances post-war and have become an enduring part of the holiday spirit, now boasting 84 Thanksgiving games under their belt. While the Lions have faced their share of challenges on this iconic day, their record stands at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties—a testament to countless memorable and hard-fought games.
This year, continuing their legacy, the Lions are set to face the Chicago Bears. The buzz around this matchup is palpable, with kickoff scheduled for the traditional 12:30 p.m. ET slot at Ford Field. As fans flock to the stadium and gather around their televisions, the Lions will once again hold the spotlight in this annual festive showcase.
The Dallas Cowboys: Stars of the Thanksgiving Stage
While the Lions had already founded the tradition, it wasn't until 1966 that the Dallas Cowboys joined as regular Thanksgiving Day hosts. This addition cemented the Cowboys’ association with Thanksgiving football, quickly making them co-staples of the holiday. Their choice to enter the Thanksgiving Day arena was initially met with hesitation due to concerns about game attendance, but success followed swiftly. The Cowboys became an irresistible draw for television audiences, providing fans with unforgettable Thanksgiving entertainment.
The Cowboys have participated in a total of 56 Thanksgiving games, amassing a record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie, illustrating their formidable presence in these encounters. Though they missed the Thanksgiving spotlight in 1975 and 1977 due to the National Football League's scheduling rotation experiment, their return was celebrated by fans nationwide.
This Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will clash with the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. The rivalry promises a thrilling game rich in historical context and fanfare, as both teams vie for supremacy on one of football’s most storied stages.
The Evening Game: A New Tradition
Adding another layer to Thanksgiving's football tapestry, the evening game was introduced in 2006. This addition was quickly embraced, expanding the day’s football festivities into primetime slots. For this year's evening showcase, the Miami Dolphins are set to take on the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. This relatively new tradition ensures that fans can fill their entire day with football action, from lunch through to dinner and beyond.
Interestingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain one of the few NFL teams never to have played on Thanksgiving Day, a curious fact that underscores the distinctiveness of the participating teams in the Thanksgiving lineup.
In sharing these Thanksgiving Day games, fans not only witness the competitive action on the field but also participate in a cherished cultural event that reflects the passion and history of the sport. As another Thanksgiving approaches, the country eagerly anticipates a day filled with time-honored gridiron battles, reinforcing the bond between football and this beloved holiday. The Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and an exciting evening matchup promise to deliver the excitement and tradition that fans have come to expect and cherish each Thanksgiving.