Thanksgiving Day has long been synonymous with indulgent feasts, family gatherings, and of course, American football. The holiday tradition of gridiron action is a time-honored staple in the United States, with two games featuring the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys as cherished fixtures on the nation’s sporting calendar.
The Detroit Lions: A Storied Tradition
The Detroit Lions are inextricably linked to Thanksgiving football, having inaugurated this festive ritual in 1934. The Lions owner, George A. Richards, saw an opportunity to boost his team’s profile, and what started as a promotional effort has become a celebrated tradition. Despite a pause from 1939 to 1944 due to World War II, the Lions have been a Thanksgiving mainstay, playing an impressive 84 games on this special day. Their record, 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties, tells of a mixed history, but the excitement they generate each year remains undiminished.
This Thanksgiving, the Lions will kick off the day’s football celebrations by hosting the Chicago Bears. Slated for a 12:30 p.m. ET start, this matchup is set to entice fans who have made this game a pivotal part of their holiday rituals.
The Dallas Cowboys: America’s Team on a Holiday Stage
While the Lions laid the groundwork, the Dallas Cowboys cemented Thanksgiving football’s place in American culture when they joined the tradition in 1966. Known as "America’s Team," the Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day, captivating audiences with their flair and competitive spirit. They temporarily stepped away in 1975 and 1977 but swiftly returned, continuing to uphold their Thanksgiving legacy.
Over the course of 56 Thanksgiving appearances, the Cowboys have amassed 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie. This year, they will face off against another iconic rival, the New York Giants, at 4:30 p.m. ET, providing another chapter in this illustrious tradition and ensuring an afternoon of thrilling football action.
Primetime Action and Emerging Traditions
The tradition of a Thanksgiving evening game is a relatively new phenomenon that began in 2006. It filled a void for football enthusiasts seeking more action after the afternoon games, rounding out the holiday's gridiron offerings with an electrifying nighttime clash.
This year's primetime contest features the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers, teeing off at 8:20 p.m. ET. As the night descends, fans can look forward to a showcase of athleticism and strategic prowess, providing a fitting conclusion to a day steeped in football tradition.
Teams Awaiting Their First Thanksgiving Spotlight
Despite the widespread appeal of Thanksgiving football, not all NFL teams have taken part in this national tradition. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for instance, have yet to grace the Thanksgiving Day stage. Their absence is a curious footnote in the annals of NFL history, prompting anticipation and speculation about if—and when—they might finally join the ranks of those who've played on this storied date.
As television screens flicker to life this Thanksgiving, millions of viewers will gather around their living rooms, bound by a shared love of football. Whether it's tales of triumph or heartbreaking defeats, the Thanksgiving games are more than mere contests; they are a vital thread woven into the fabric of American sport. As the Lions, Cowboys, Dolphins, Packers—and their legions of fans—prepare for this year’s engagements, they carry forward a beloved tradition, rich with history yet ever-evolving in its appeal.