The Thanksgiving Tradition of NFL Football
As families across the United States gather around tables brimming with turkey and stuffing, another cherished Thanksgiving tradition plays out on screens in living rooms nationwide: NFL football. This time-honored ritual brings together fans and families to watch some of the country's most storied franchises battle it out on the gridiron. At the heart of this tradition are the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, franchises with deep-rooted Thanksgiving connections that stretch back decades.
The Lions’ Legacy
The Detroit Lions are synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football, a tradition that began in 1934. Established by then-owner George A. Richards, the Thanksgiving game was intended to inspire interest in a team that was relatively new to the city. The inaugural contest drew an impressive crowd of 26,000 to the University of Detroit Stadium and set a precedent that has dominated the Lions' calendar ever since.
However, even this enduring tradition experienced an interruption. From 1939 to 1944, World War II caused a pause in the Lions' Thanksgiving appearances. Once the conflict concluded, the Lions returned to their Thanksgiving slot, a fixture since that reflects their resilience and the enduring spirit of American football. Over the years, the Lions have participated in 84 Thanksgiving games, securing 37 wins, 45 losses, and two ties.
This year, the Lions face off against the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET. Both an annual spectacle and a flashpoint for rivalries, the game promises an intense contest as the Lions endeavor to improve their record.
The Cowboys Comeback
While the Lions pioneered the Thanksgiving Day tradition, the Dallas Cowboys cemented it. The Cowboys entered the Thanksgiving narrative in 1966, under the leadership of general manager Tex Schramm, who saw the opportunity to garner national attention. His vision paid off; the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving appearances became another beloved staple of the holiday.
Unlike the Lions, the Cowboys missed the Thanksgiving action only twice: in 1975 and 1977. Despite these absences, the Cowboys have been an indelible part of Thanksgiving, participating in 56 games and achieving a remarkable 33 victories, with 22 losses and one tie.
This year, as the Cowboys host the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET, the anticipation is palpable. The Cowboys-Giants matchup not only promises riveting play but also heightens the festive spirit, illustrating the blend of tradition and competition that makes Thanksgiving a pivotal point in the NFL season.
The Evolution of Evening Games
In 2006, the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving lineup by adding a primetime game, providing fans with a full day of football enjoyment. This addition has opened the stage to a wider array of teams, sharing the Thanksgiving spotlight previously dominated by the Lions and Cowboys.
This year's primetime game features the Miami Dolphins squaring off against the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. The primetime slot fosters a new dimension of excitement, with teams showcasing their talents under the night sky, further broadening the Thanksgiving tradition's reach.
Unseen Silver Helmets
Not all NFL teams have experienced the ethereal atmosphere created by Thanksgiving Day football. Notably, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain one of the few teams yet to grace the holiday with their presence, a fact that highlights the select nature of this tradition.
As the Jaguars continue their search for a Thanksgiving debut, fans and pundits alike speculate about what the future holds for this expansion team in terms of holiday appearances. Their absence is a reminder of the exclusivity and legacy borne by teams like the Lions and Cowboys in this quintessentially American tradition.
This Thanksgiving, as the nation sits back to enjoy turkey and touchdowns, the long-standing tradition of NFL football on this holiday not only brings joy to millions but also underscores the cultural significance of sports as a unifying force. Through every pass, tackle, and touchdown, the essence of Thanksgiving is captured on the field, marking a uniquely American holiday where family, food, and football are inextricably intertwined.