A Thanksgiving Tradition: Football Fever in the United States
Thanksgiving Day in the United States brings with it a sense of festivity, gratitude, and a quintessential American tradition: football. While families gather around tables laden with turkey and stuffing, fervent fans flock to their television sets, or sometimes the stadiums themselves, to watch an iconic lineup of games that mark this national holiday. Central to this tradition are the storied performances by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, two teams whose Thanksgiving history stretches back decades.
The Detroit Lions: A Legacy Begins
It was in 1934 that the Detroit Lions etched their name into the Thanksgiving playbook, kicking off what has now become a fixture of the holiday. Despite a brief hiatus during World War II from 1939 to 1944, when the games were paused, the Lions have continuously taken to the field, establishing a legacy that blends sport with celebration. To date, the Lions have participated in 84 Thanksgiving games, accumulating a record that includes 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties.
This year, the tradition continues as the Lions prepare to face off against the Chicago Bears, a matchup that kicks off the holiday’s football action at 12:30 p.m. ET. For Detroit, it is not just another game, but a continuation of a rich past, as thousands of fans rally behind the team in anticipation of another thrilling contest.
The Dallas Cowboys: A Thanksgiving Fixture
The Dallas Cowboys entered the Thanksgiving Day football arena in 1966, adding a new dimension to the holiday’s sporting events. Except for two years, 1975 and 1977, when the Cowboys were absent from the Thanksgiving schedule, they have been an almost constant presence. Over the course of 56 games, the Cowboys have built an impressive record of 33 wins, 22 losses, and a single tie. Their involvement is not merely a game but a slice of Thanksgiving tradition cherished by many across the country.
This year’s game sees the Cowboys pitted against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. ET. Fans can expect another chapter in the rich rivalry between these two teams, a game that promises the high stakes and intense competition synonymous with the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving outings.
Primetime Football: An Evening of Entertainment
While the Lions and Cowboys have established daytime traditions, the Thanksgiving evening game is a relatively new addition to the festivities, having begun in 2006. It provides fans with yet another opportunity to indulge their football passions as they unwind from a day of feasting. This year, the Miami Dolphins take on the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET, promising a high-energy clash under the primetime spotlight.
In contrast to their more seasoned counterparts, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain absent from the Thanksgiving lineup, never having played on this holiday. As the youngest team in the NFL, the Jaguars are still looking to secure their place in Thanksgiving history, a milestone that fans hope to see realized in future seasons.
Anticipation and Tradition: A Thanksgiving Gift
Thanksgiving football provides a unique blend of anticipation and tradition, embodying both the spirit of competition and the warmth of holiday reunions. For teams like the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, it is an opportunity to add another chapter to their storied legacies, while providing fans with memorable moments year after year.
As the Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears, and the Dallas Cowboys lock horns with the New York Giants, fans eagerly watch, not just for the thrill of the sport, but for the continuation of a beloved national tradition. As the evening winds down with the Miami Dolphins against the Green Bay Packers, football enthusiasts across the United States are reminded once again of why this holiday—and its games—hold a special place in their hearts.