The Thanksgiving Tradition of American Football

The Thanksgiving Tradition of American Football

The brisk air of late November in America signals more than just the anticipation of turkey and stuffing; it heralds the time-honored tradition of Thanksgiving Day football games. This ritual, synonymous with the holiday itself, offers a banquet of gridiron action that satisfies fans across the nation. At the heart of this tradition are two franchises, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, each with a storied history of competing on this festive day.

The Lions' Thanksgiving Legacy

The Detroit Lions lay claim to the origin of Thanksgiving Day football games, a tradition they initiated back in 1934. That inaugural game was not just a display of athleticism but a strategic move by then-owner George A. Richards to increase attendance at the newly established team’s matches. The plan worked, cementing the Lions' place in American culture and creating an annual event that continues to this day. However, the Lions did pause this tradition from 1939 to 1944 during World War II, a testament to the era's global upheaval that overshadowed sports worldwide.

Over the decades, the Lions have been a Thanksgiving fixture, showing their resilience and longevity with a remarkable 84 games played. Their record stands at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. This year, they will face off against the Chicago Bears, with the match set to kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET, promising fans a thrilling start to their Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Cowboys: America’s Team Takes the Stage

Joining the Thanksgiving lineup more than three decades after the Lions, the Dallas Cowboys began their holiday game tradition in 1966. Known as "America’s Team," the Cowboys have missed this holiday fixture only twice, in 1975 and 1977, offering an almost unbroken streak of Thanksgiving appearances that have delighted their extensive fan base. The Cowboys' performance in these games has been impressive, with the team securing 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie over their 56 Thanksgiving matches. This year, they’re set to clash with the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET, a rivalry that always promises fireworks.

The Evening Showdown

A relatively recent addition to the Thanksgiving football schedule is the evening primetime game, a tradition that began in 2006 to extend the viewing pleasure late into the night. This year’s nocturnal battle will showcase the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers, scheduled to start at 8:20 p.m. ET. This matchup offers a perfect nightcap, closing the day with drama and high-stakes football.

Missing in Action

While the Lions and Cowboys have made Thanksgiving their own, not all teams have graced this special stage. Notably absent are the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have yet to participate in a Thanksgiving Day game. This fact remains a point of curiosity and speculation, perhaps leaving room for future scheduling decisions and opportunities for new traditions to form.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation among fans is palpable. Whether it’s a continuation of long-standing rivalries or the excitement of a night spectacle, these games are as much a part of the Thanksgiving tradition as pumpkin pie and family gatherings. This year’s lineup promises to deliver the same spirit of competition and entertainment that generations of fans have come to expect, celebrating a rich tapestry of sportsmanship and history that has become an indelible part of American culture.