25 Facts About Thanksgiving Football Games

Thanksgiving Football Tradition

Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand. Families gather around the TV, turkey on the table, to watch their favorite teams battle it out. This tradition has deep roots in American culture.

1. The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton. This game set the stage for future Thanksgiving football traditions.

2. The NFL started hosting Thanksgiving games in 1920. These games have become a staple of the holiday, drawing millions of viewers each year.

3. The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934, except during World War II. This tradition began as a way to attract more fans to the games.

4. The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. Their games have become just as iconic as the Lions' games.

5. The first televised Thanksgiving football game aired in 1934. This broadcast helped popularize the tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving.

Memorable Moments in Thanksgiving Football

Thanksgiving games have produced some unforgettable moments. These moments have become part of football lore, remembered by fans for years.

6. In 1993, the Cowboys' Leon Lett made a famous blunder by touching a blocked field goal, allowing the Miami Dolphins to recover and win the game.

7. Randy Moss had a breakout performance in 1998, scoring three touchdowns on just three catches for the Minnesota Vikings against the Cowboys.

8. The "Butt Fumble" by Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets in 2012 is one of the most infamous plays in Thanksgiving football history.

9. In 1980, the Bears and Lions played the first Thanksgiving game to go into overtime, with the Bears winning on a 95-yard kickoff return.

10. The 2012 game between the Texans and Lions featured a controversial play where a touchdown was incorrectly ruled, leading to a change in NFL rules.

Teams and Rivalries

Thanksgiving games often feature intense rivalries. These matchups add an extra layer of excitement to the holiday.

11. The Lions and Packers have faced off 21 times on Thanksgiving, making it one of the most frequent matchups.

12. The Cowboys and Redskins have played each other nine times on Thanksgiving, adding to their storied rivalry.

13. The Bears and Lions have met 18 times on Thanksgiving, with the Bears leading the series.

14. The Cowboys and Eagles have faced off six times on Thanksgiving, with the Cowboys winning four of those games.

15. The Bills and Lions played the first Thanksgiving game in 1976, starting a tradition of inter-conference matchups.

Thanksgiving Football Records

Thanksgiving games have seen some impressive records set by players and teams. These records highlight the talent and excitement of these games.

16. Emmitt Smith holds the record for most rushing yards in Thanksgiving games, with 1,178 yards over 13 games.

17. Tony Romo has thrown the most touchdown passes on Thanksgiving, with 18 touchdowns in 10 games.

18. Barry Sanders has the most rushing touchdowns in Thanksgiving games, with 14 touchdowns in 10 games.

19. Jason Witten holds the record for most receptions in Thanksgiving games, with 80 catches in 15 games.

20. The Cowboys have the most wins on Thanksgiving, with 31 victories in 53 games.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Football

Beyond the stats and records, there are some fun and quirky facts about Thanksgiving football that add to its charm.

21. John Madden awarded a "Turkey Leg Award" to the best player in the Thanksgiving game, starting in 1989. This tradition continued until 2001.

22. The Lions' first Thanksgiving game in 1934 was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 26,000 fans.

23. The Cowboys' first Thanksgiving game in 1966 was also their first nationally televised game, helping to boost their popularity.

24. The NFL introduced a third Thanksgiving game in 2006, played in prime time, to give fans even more football to enjoy.

25. The tradition of high school and college football games on Thanksgiving predates the NFL, with many local rivalries still playing on the holiday.

Thanksgiving Football: A Timeless Tradition

Thanksgiving football games have become a beloved part of American culture. From the first game in 1876 to today's NFL matchups, these games bring families together, creating memories and sparking friendly rivalries. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day, hosting games that fans eagerly anticipate each year. High school and college games also play a big role, showcasing local talent and community spirit.

Football on Thanksgiving isn't just about the game; it's about tradition, unity, and celebration. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just enjoy the festive atmosphere, these games offer something for everyone. So, as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, remember the rich history and excitement that football brings to the holiday. Enjoy the game, the food, and the company, and cherish the moments that make Thanksgiving special.