A Storied Thanksgiving Tradition on the Gridiron

A Storied Thanksgiving Tradition on the Gridiron

The uniquely American tradition of blending family, turkey, and football is once again upon us as Thanksgiving Day approaches. This sacred day for pigskin enthusiasts retains its charm largely thanks to the unwavering presence of two NFL franchises: the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. Their Thanksgiving Day matchups capture the attention of millions, embodying a cherished tradition of football and festivity.

Detroit Lions: The Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football

The Detroit Lions, who first set the precedent for Thanksgiving Day football in 1934, have a storied association with this annual holiday. From its inception, the Thanksgiving game has been a stage where the Lions showcase their skills, teetering between glorious victories and hard-fought losses. Save for an interruption during World War II, when games paused from 1939 to 1944, the Lions' tradition remains unbroken.

Throughout the years, the Lions have participated in 84 games on this day, achieving 37 wins, tasting defeat 45 times, and experiencing a stalemate twice. The 2019 matchup promises to enrich this legacy, with the Lions set to face the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET. The anticipation is palpable as fans fuel their hopes for another memorable face-off at Ford Field.

Dallas Cowboys: A Thanksgiving Staple Since the Sixties

While the Lions were the early trailblazers, it wasn't until 1966 that the Dallas Cowboys made their Thanksgiving debut, solidifying the holiday as a football gala. Except for the years 1975 and 1977, when they took a hiatus, the Cowboys have been a mainstay, consistently bringing intensity and drama to Thanksgiving afternoon football.

The Cowboys have graced the Thanksgiving field 56 times, securing 33 victories, suffering 22 losses, and encountering a lone tie. This year's clash promises another thrilling chapter, with the Cowboys going head-to-head against their longtime rivals, the New York Giants, at 4:30 p.m. ET. As always, AT&T Stadium will be a cauldron of excitement and anticipation.

Thanksgiving Evening Football: A Modern Feast

In a more recent tradition, the NFL expanded its Thanksgiving Day offerings in 2006 with the addition of a primetime evening game. This shining spectacle under the lights has quickly become a fan favorite, extending the football festivities well into the night.

The upcoming holiday matchup features the Miami Dolphins taking on the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET. This game promises to add another layer of excitement to an already action-packed day, delivering thrilling plays and unforgettable moments to cap the turkey-filled evening.

On the Outside, Looking In

Interestingly, not all NFL teams have shared in the Thanksgiving spotlight. Among them, the Jacksonville Jaguars stand out as the most notable franchise never to have played on Thanksgiving Day. Their lack of presence in this annual showcase serves as a reminder that while the tradition is time-honored, not every team has yet been woven into its historical fabric.

Conclusion

As Thanksgiving approaches, football fans across the nation prepare for another day of thrilling action and time-honored tradition. Whether it's the history-heavy matches in Detroit and Dallas or the modern allure of the primetime game, the NFL Thanksgiving Day games continue to be an integral part of American culture. With storied franchises clashing and new narratives forming, this year's edition is set to deliver another chapter in the annals of Thanksgiving football lore.