Thanksgiving Day Football Games: History & 2023 Schedule

Thanksgiving Day and football go hand in hand in American tradition. For over a century, the gridiron has been a central part of the holiday festivities, with families gathering around the television to watch thrilling matchups between some of the NFL's most storied franchises. In this article, we'll delve into the rich history of Thanksgiving Day football, explore the teams that have become synonymous with the holiday, and preview the exciting matchups planned for 2023.

A Century of Tradition: The History of Thanksgiving Football

The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving dates back to the late 19th century. The first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton. As the sport grew in popularity, so did the tradition of playing on Thanksgiving, with many college and high school teams scheduling games on the holiday. — Sacramento, CA Zip Codes: Find Any Zone!

The NFL Steps onto the Field

The National Football League (NFL) officially joined the Thanksgiving Day tradition in 1934, when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears. Lions owner George A. Richards, a radio executive, saw the holiday as a perfect opportunity to showcase his team and attract a larger audience. The game was a huge success, and the Lions have hosted a game every Thanksgiving since (with the exception of the World War II years).

The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day lineup in 1966. General Manager Tex Schramm was looking for ways to increase the team's exposure, and he successfully lobbied the league to give the Cowboys a Thanksgiving Day game. Like the Lions, the Cowboys have become a Thanksgiving Day staple, hosting a game every year since 1966, except for 1975 and 1977.

Why Detroit and Dallas?

The Lions and Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football for several reasons. Their consistent presence on the holiday schedule has created a sense of tradition and familiarity for fans. Additionally, both teams have large fan bases and are located in major media markets, which helps to maximize viewership. The tradition continues to this day, with both teams hosting games every Thanksgiving, providing a consistent centerpiece for the holiday's football festivities. — Drew Allar Injury: Latest Updates & Recovery

Thanksgiving Day NFL Traditions

Beyond the Lions and Cowboys, several other traditions have emerged in the NFL's Thanksgiving Day lineup.

The Tripleheader

Since 2006, the NFL has scheduled three games on Thanksgiving Day, providing a full day of football action for fans. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys host the early games, while a third game, typically a primetime matchup, rounds out the day's schedule. This tripleheader format has become a beloved tradition, offering fans a continuous stream of football entertainment throughout the holiday.

Turkey Leg Awards

An interesting and quirky tradition has emerged during the Thanksgiving Day games on CBS. The broadcast team awards a turkey leg to the most valuable player (MVP) of the game. This lighthearted tradition adds a unique flavor to the broadcasts and has become a fun moment for players and fans alike.

Notable Thanksgiving Day NFL Games

Over the years, numerous memorable games have been played on Thanksgiving Day. These contests often become instant classics, remembered for their dramatic finishes, outstanding performances, and significant implications.

1993: Leon Lett's Blunder

One of the most infamous plays in Thanksgiving Day history occurred in 1993 when the Dallas Cowboys played the Miami Dolphins. With the Cowboys leading by one point in the final seconds, Dolphins kicker Pete Stoyanovich attempted a game-winning field goal, which was blocked by the Cowboys. As the Cowboys players celebrated, defensive tackle Leon Lett inexplicably tried to recover the ball, but he fumbled, allowing the Dolphins to recover and kick a game-winning field goal on a second attempt. This blunder remains a lasting image in Thanksgiving Day lore.

1998: Jerome Bettis Coin Toss

A snowy Thanksgiving Day game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions in 1998 produced one of the most bizarre finishes in NFL history. Overtime began with a coin toss, and Steelers running back Jerome Bettis appeared to call "tails," but referee Phil Luckett claimed he heard "heads." The Lions received the ball and kicked a game-winning field goal, sparking controversy and leading to a rule change regarding coin tosses. — Inter Miami CF: News, Stats & What You Need To Know

2012: RGIII's Performance

In 2012, rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III led the Washington Redskins to a thrilling 38-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Griffin threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his electrifying talent and cementing his status as one of the league's brightest young stars. This game not only highlighted Griffin's abilities but also underscored the excitement that young quarterbacks can bring to the Thanksgiving Day stage.

2023 Thanksgiving Day Games Preview

Thanksgiving Day 2023 promises to deliver another exciting slate of NFL games. While the official schedule is typically released in the spring, we can make some educated guesses about potential matchups.

The Lions and Cowboys Games

As always, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will host games on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions will face the Green Bay Packers, continuing a classic NFC North rivalry. The Cowboys will host the Washington Commanders in an NFC East clash. These traditional matchups provide a familiar rhythm to the day's football festivities.

Primetime Matchup

The primetime game could feature several intriguing possibilities. A matchup between two Super Bowl contenders, such as the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, would undoubtedly draw a large audience. Alternatively, the league could showcase a rivalry game, such as the San Francisco 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks.

How to Make the Most of Thanksgiving Day Football

Thanksgiving Day football is more than just watching the games; it's about the shared experience with family and friends. Here are some tips to enhance your Thanksgiving Day football celebration:

• Plan a potluck: Encourage guests to bring their favorite dishes, creating a diverse and delicious spread.
• Set up a viewing area: Make sure everyone has a comfortable seat and a clear view of the television. Consider setting up multiple screens to catch all the action.
• Organize a football pool or squares: Add some friendly competition to the day by organizing a football pool or squares game.
• Wear your team's colors: Show your support by donning your favorite team's apparel.
• Most Importantly, enjoy the company: While football is the centerpiece, remember to cherish the time spent with loved ones.

FAQ About Thanksgiving Football Games

Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?

The Lions and Cowboys have a long-standing tradition of hosting Thanksgiving Day games. The Lions began hosting games in 1934, while the Cowboys started in 1966. This tradition has made them synonymous with Thanksgiving football.

How many NFL games are played on Thanksgiving?

Since 2006, the NFL has scheduled three games on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions and Cowboys host the early games, followed by a primetime matchup.

What was the highest-scoring Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history?

The highest-scoring Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history was in 2004, when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Detroit Lions 41-9.

Has any team never played on Thanksgiving?

The Jacksonville Jaguars, who were established in 1995, are the only NFL team to have never played on Thanksgiving.

What is the most memorable Thanksgiving Day game?

There are many memorable Thanksgiving Day games, but some standouts include Leon Lett's blunder in 1993, Jerome Bettis's coin toss controversy in 1998, and RGIII's performance in 2012. These games are remembered for their dramatic moments and lasting impact.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Day football is a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. From the historic matchups of the past to the exciting games of today, football has become an integral part of the holiday. As you gather with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, be sure to tune in to the gridiron action and enjoy the thrill of the game. And, while the excitement of the games is captivating, remember that the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in the connections we share with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!