A Thanksgiving Tradition: Football, Family, and Fierce Rivalries
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a time-honored celebration of potlucks, parades, and, most notably, American football. The annual tradition of Thanksgiving football games has become as quintessential to the holiday as the turkey and the trimmings that grace the dining tables of millions of households across the nation.
The Lions' Legacy
The Detroit Lions, one of the two teams synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football, initiated this enduring tradition back in 1934. Despite its eventual pause during the trying years of World War II from 1939 to 1944, the tradition of Thanksgiving football roared back to life, cementing its place in sports history. Over the decades, the Lions have played in 84 Thanksgiving games, showing no signs of leaving the dinner table. With a record boasting 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties, the Lions have become a staple of Thanksgiving Day festivities.
This year, the Lions will face off against the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, a matchup that promises the intensity and fervor that both teams consistently bring to the field. Fans from both sides eagerly await this game, marking it as the beginning of their holiday meat and potatoes.
The Cowboys' Thanksgiving Debut and Continued Tradition
The Dallas Cowboys joined this venerated tradition in 1966, and their presence has been keenly felt ever since. Known for their dynamic play style and ability to captivate crowds, the Cowboys have made Thanksgiving football a central pillar of their team identity. Unlike most years, the Cowboys were notably absent from the Thanksgiving lineup in 1975 and 1977, but otherwise, they've been a constant feature. They have participated in 56 Thanksgiving games, achieving a respectable record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and one tie.
This year, the Cowboys are set to square off against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. Given the deep-rooted rivalry between these two teams, viewers can expect a game that is as unpredictable as it is thrilling, with both clubs vying for dominance in a classic gridiron showdown.
The Addition of Primetime
The tradition of a Thanksgiving evening game is relatively new, established only in 2006. This addition has allowed football fans the opportunity to enjoy a full day of high-stakes professional football. Each year, the primetime game adds its own unique flair to the day's lineup, featuring teams eager to shine under the night lights.
This year’s evening battle will feature the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers, kicking off at 8:20 p.m. ET. It's a game that promises to wrap up the Thanksgiving festivities with a thrilling matchup between two proud franchises, each looking to enhance their season standings with a Thanksgiving win.
The Jaguars' Absence
While the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, not every team in the NFL routinely partakes in this autumn festival. The Jacksonville Jaguars stand out as a team that has never played on Thanksgiving Day. This curious absence leaves fans to wonder whether they might one day step onto the field to join this iconic tradition.
Beyond the Games
As the nation gathers together to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, Thanksgiving football remains a beloved tradition and a testament to the enduring allure of sports in American culture. It is a day when rivalries are rekindled, records challenged, and memories made—all through the shared experience of watching teams take to the field in pursuit of victory. This annual celebration of talent, teamwork, and tenacity ensures that Thanksgiving remains much more than a celebration of gratitude; it is a showcase of athletic prowess that captivates millions, year after year.
From the early matchups with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears to the evening's primetime performance, Thanksgiving football embodies the spirit of competition and togetherness that defines both the sport and the holiday itself.