Thanksgiving and football two American staples that go hand in hand. Every year, millions of families gather around the table for turkey, stuffing, and pie, only to quickly shift their attention to the television for an afternoon (and now evening) of gridiron action. But have you ever wondered why football is such a big part of Thanksgiving?
This tradition dates back over a century, bringing families together and providing fans with unforgettable moments. From high school matchups to classic NFL showdowns, Thanksgiving football has cemented itself as one of the most anticipated parts of the holiday. Let’s dive into the history, traditions, and impact of Thanksgiving football.
The Origins of Thanksgiving Football Games
The connection between Thanksgiving and football dates back to the late 19th century. While we now associate it mostly with the NFL, the tradition actually began with college and high school teams.
- First Thanksgiving Game: The first recorded Thanksgiving Day football game took place in 1876, just a few years after the sport itself was developed. Yale and Princeton squared off in a game that set the precedent for future Thanksgiving Football Games matchups.
- Early College Football Tradition: By the late 1800s, Thanksgiving football was a staple in college sports. Schools like Harvard, Yale, and Michigan regularly played Thanksgiving games, attracting large crowds and media attention.
- High School Rivalries: Many high school football teams also adopted Thanksgiving Day games, with some rivalries lasting over a century. These games remain a tradition in many states, particularly in the Northeast.
Football quickly became a Thanksgiving Day entertainment fixture, long before the NFL even existed.
The NFL and Thanksgiving Football Games
By the time the NFL was formed in 1920, Thanksgiving Football Games was already a well-established tradition. The league wasted no time in capitalizing on the holiday’s popularity.
- First Official NFL Thanksgiving Game: In 1920, the NFL’s precursor, the American Professional Football Association (APFA), hosted its first Thanksgiving games. As the league evolved, Thanksgiving became a marquee event on the NFL calendar.
- Growing Popularity: Thanksgiving Day games gained national appeal, attracting large crowds and significant media attention.
- Importance to the League: The NFL’s Thanksgiving games have helped the league establish itself as America’s most popular sport, with some of the highest-rated broadcasts of the season.
With Thanksgiving football proving to be a ratings juggernaut, certain teams became synonymous with the holiday none more so than the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Tradition
The Detroit Lions have been a Thanksgiving staple for nearly a century. But why?
- Origins of the Tradition: The Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game in 1934, as a way to boost attendance and generate interest in the team. The move paid off, and the tradition stuck.
- Memorable Moments: Despite struggling in recent decades, the Lions have had some iconic Thanksgiving performances, from Barry Sanders’ electric runs to Calvin Johnson’s record-setting catches.
- Impact on the Fanbase: Detroit fans embrace the Thanksgiving tradition, even when the team isn’t competitive. The annual game remains one of the franchise’s biggest moments each season.
Though the Lions were the first to establish a Thanksgiving tradition, they wouldn’t be the only team to become a mainstay. Enter: the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys Join the Thanksgiving Tradition
Unlike the Lions, the Cowboys weren’t part of the original Thanksgiving plans but they quickly became just as synonymous with the holiday.
- Why the Cowboys Play on Thanksgiving: In 1966, Cowboys GM Tex Schramm saw an opportunity to gain national exposure by playing on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys’ popularity exploded, and they have played on Thanksgiving almost every year since.
- Iconic Thanksgiving Games: The Cowboys have had their share of legendary moments, from Clint Longley’s miracle comeback in 1974 to Tony Romo’s dominance in the 2000s.
- Strengthening the Cowboys’ Brand: Playing on Thanksgiving helped solidify the Cowboys as “America’s Team,” giving them unmatched exposure on one of the biggest TV days of the year.
Memorable Thanksgiving Day NFL Games
Thanksgiving Football Games has provided some of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history. Over the decades, fans have witnessed jaw-dropping performances, last-minute heroics, and some of the most bizarre plays the league has ever seen.
The “Leon Lett Blunder” (1993)
One of the most infamous Thanksgiving moments happened in 1993 when Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett made an unexpected mistake.
- The Cowboys were leading the Miami Dolphins in a snowy Thanksgiving game.
- Miami attempted a game-winning field goal but missed. However, instead of letting the play end, Leon Lett touched the ball, making it live again.
- The Dolphins recovered it and got a second chance, kicking the game-winning field goal and stealing the victory.
This play remains one of the most memorable blunders in NFL history.
O.J. Simpson’s Record-Setting Performance (1976)
Before his life took a controversial turn, O.J. Simpson was one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. On Thanksgiving Day in 1976, he made history.
- Playing for the Buffalo Bills, Simpson rushed for an astonishing 273 yards against the Detroit Lions.
- Despite Simpson’s record-breaking performance, the Bills lost the game.
- His 273 rushing yards set a Thanksgiving Day record that still stands today.
Randy Moss’ Three-Touchdown Thanksgiving (1998)
Randy Moss was a rookie in 1998, but he wasted no time making his mark on Thanksgiving.
- Facing the Dallas Cowboys, Moss caught three passes all of them for touchdowns.
- He finished the game with 163 receiving yards and three scores, showing why he would become one of the greatest wide receivers in history.
- The Minnesota Vikings dominated the Cowboys, and Moss’ performance became legendary.
These are just a few examples of the magic Thanksgiving football brings every year.
Modern Thanksgiving Football Traditions
While the core of Thanksgiving Football Games remains the same, the NFL has added new elements to enhance the experience for fans.
How the NFL Selects Thanksgiving Matchups
Originally, Thanksgiving games featured random matchups, but today, the NFL carefully selects teams to maximize ratings and excitement.
- The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys remain the traditional hosts.
- A third, primetime Thanksgiving game, was introduced in 2006 to add another marquee matchup to the holiday.
- The league sometimes features divisional rivalries or teams with major playoff implications.
Halftime Performances and Entertainment
The NFL has turned Thanksgiving games into a full entertainment spectacle, featuring:
- Big-name musical acts during halftime, such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and the Jonas Brothers.
- Charity campaigns like the NFL’s “Salute to Service” and “Red Kettle Kickoff” with the Salvation Army.
- Holiday-themed broadcasts, including special graphics, Thanksgiving meal references, and player tributes.
The Addition of the Thanksgiving Night Game
For decades, Thanksgiving featured only two games (Detroit and Dallas). However, in 2006, the NFL added a third, primetime game, creating a full day of football.
- The night game allows teams other than the Cowboys and Lions to play on Thanksgiving.
- It often features high-profile matchups with major playoff implications.
- The game has been a success, drawing massive TV ratings.
Thanksgiving football continues to evolve, but its place as an American tradition remains solid.
College Football and Thanksgiving Weekend
While the NFL owns Thanksgiving Day, college football dominates the rest of the holiday weekend.
The Importance of Rivalry Games
Thanksgiving weekend has long been home to some of college football’s biggest rivalries, including:
- Alabama vs. Auburn (Iron Bowl) – One of the fiercest rivalries in college football.
- Ohio State vs. Michigan – A game that often has national championship implications.
- USC vs. Notre Dame – A classic matchup between two powerhouse programs.
These games often determine conference championships and bowl game placements.
Iconic Thanksgiving Weekend College Games
Some of the greatest moments in college football have taken place over Thanksgiving weekend:
- “Kick Six” (2013 Iron Bowl) – Auburn’s last-second field goal return to beat Alabama.
- Doug Flutie’s “Hail Mary” (1984) – A legendary game-winning pass for Boston College against Miami.
- Texas vs. Texas A&M Rivalry – Though discontinued in 2011, it was a Thanksgiving staple for decades.
Thanksgiving weekend remains one of the most exciting times for college football fans.
High School Football on Thanksgiving
Beyond the NFL and college ranks, high school football plays a massive role in Thanksgiving traditions, especially in certain parts of the country.
Local Rivalries Keep the Tradition Alive
In many communities, Thanksgiving morning games between rival high schools are just as important as the turkey dinner later that day.
- Some of these rivalries date back over 100 years.
- Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are known for their Thanksgiving high school football traditions.
- These games bring together alumni, families, and local communities in a celebration of hometown pride.
Impact on Young Athletes
For many high school seniors, their Thanksgiving Day game is their last time playing competitive football.
- The game is often played in front of the biggest crowd of the season.
- Players treat it as a championship atmosphere, regardless of their team’s record.
- It strengthens community bonds and creates memories that last a lifetime.
While professional football dominates Thanksgiving, these high school games keep the sport’s roots alive.
The Impact of Thanksgiving Football on Fans
Thanksgiving football isn’t just about the players it’s a beloved tradition for millions of fans.
Bringing Families Together
- Watching football on Thanksgiving is a bonding experience for families.
- The mix of food, family, and football creates the ultimate holiday experience.
- Even non-sports fans enjoy the tradition, making it a staple of Thanksgiving Day.
Tailgating and Game-Day Food Traditions
- Many fans tailgate at stadiums before the Thanksgiving games.
- Some families plan Thanksgiving dinner around the games, ensuring they don’t miss a second.
- Food and football go hand in hand, from turkey-themed tailgates to stadium hot dogs.
Economic Impact of Thanksgiving Games
Thanksgiving football isn’t just a holiday tradition it’s big business.
- Massive TV ratings generate huge advertising revenue.
- Ticket sales and merchandise bring in millions for teams.
- Local economies benefit, as fans flock to stadiums, bars, and restaurants.
Thanksgiving football is more than just a game it’s a cultural and economic phenomenon.
Controversies and Criticism
While Thanksgiving football is widely loved, it isn’t without controversy.
Player Safety Concerns
- NFL players often play on short rest, leading to a higher risk of injuries.
- Some players and coaches have called for an end to mid-week games.
Repetitive Matchups
- Some fans grow tired of seeing the same teams (Lions and Cowboys) play every year.
- There are calls to rotate teams, giving others a chance to host Thanksgiving games.
Arguments for Change
- Some suggest adding more variety to the schedule.
- Others believe Thanksgiving football should remain untouched, preserving its traditions.
Despite these concerns, Thanksgiving football continues to thrive.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Football Games is more than just a game it’s a tradition that brings families together, creates unforgettable moments, and serves as a cornerstone of the holiday. From high school rivalries to legendary NFL matchups, football on Thanksgiving is here to stay.
No matter which teams take the field, one thing is certain: football will always be a part of Thanksgiving.
FAQs
- Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
The Lions started the tradition in 1934, and the Cowboys joined in 1966 to boost national exposure. - When did the NFL start hosting Thanksgiving games?
The first official NFL Thanksgiving game was played in 1920. - Has an NFL team ever refused to play on Thanksgiving?
No team has outright refused, but some players and coaches have voiced concerns. - What is the most memorable Thanksgiving Day NFL game?
Many consider the 1993 “Leon Lett Blunder” game or Randy Moss’ 1998 three-touchdown performance as the most iconic. - Will the NFL ever change the Thanksgiving game format?
While discussions happen, the tradition of the Lions, Cowboys, and a third primetime game is likely to remain.
