A Touchdown Thanksgiving: A Look at NFL Football Tradition on Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Day in the United States is not just about turkey and family gatherings; it's also a time-honored tradition for American football fans. Each year, millions tune in to watch NFL games, with two teams in particular bearing the weight of history and expectation—the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys.

The Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football

The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving kicked off in 1934 with the Detroit Lions. At the heart of this longstanding custom is a story of perseverance and celebration. The Lions have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day, a link that was only interrupted briefly between 1939 and 1944, when World War II imposed an unavoidable hiatus.

Since their inaugural Thanksgiving game, the Lions have battled through 84 matches, amassing 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. This year's showdown promises excitement, as the Lions are set to take on the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET. Fans in Detroit and across the nation will be watching closely to see if the Lions can tip the scales of their historical Thanksgiving record a little more in their favor.

The Cowboys: A Thanksgiving Fixture since the 60s

While the Lions set the precedent, the Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. Over the years, they have crafted their own rich legacy, only stepping back in 1975 and 1977. The Cowboys' contribution to Thanksgiving fare is as awaited as the holiday feast itself, and their statistics back up the fervor—they boast a considerable record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie out of 56 games.

This year, Cowboys fans will be cheering from their living rooms as Dallas faces off against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. The narrative is thick with rivalry, and the stakes are high as the Cowboys aim to enhance their impressive Thanksgiving record.

Prime-time Action on Thanksgiving Night

The tradition of a Thanksgiving evening game began more recently, in 2006, adding another layer of excitement to the day. This year's prime-time slot, reserved for the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET. It's a match-up that promises to deliver thrills as fans settle in for an evening of premier athleticism.

The Unseen Jaguars

Not all teams have had the opportunity to shine under the Thanksgiving lights. The Jacksonville Jaguars, interestingly, have never been a part of the Thanksgiving Day lineup. As the NFL continues to evolve, perhaps the Jaguars will find themselves on this prestigious holiday stage in the future, sharing the spotlight with the long-standing Thanksgiving regulars.

Each Thanksgiving, the NFL serves up a feast of its own, filled with tradition, rivalry, and a touch of history. As this year’s games unfold, fans will look forward to memorable performances and perhaps a few surprises in these timeless football showdowns. Whether the preferred plate is laden with turkey or touchdowns, Thanksgiving promises something special for the American sports aficionado.