NFL Thanksgiving Day Games

The NFL on Thanksgiving Day is a time-honored tradition in the United States, where games are played on Thanksgiving Day, a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This American football tradition parallels the historic playing of college football games around the holiday and has become a staple of the Thanksgiving celebration, much like Thanksgiving dinner itself.

Historical Overview

The tradition of Thanksgiving Day games in the National Football League (NFL) dates back to the early days of the league. The NFL was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), and it quickly became a part of American culture. The games themselves have evolved alongside the league, becoming a significant part of the NFL's annual schedule.

Traditional Hosts

For many years, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have been traditional hosts of the Thanksgiving Day games. The Lions started hosting an annual Thanksgiving game in 1934, a tradition that was briefly interrupted during World War II. The Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966 and have been hosting Thanksgiving games ever since, with the exception of a brief hiatus in 1975 and 1977 when the St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) hosted the game.

Game Format

Typically, the NFL schedules three games on Thanksgiving Day. The early and late afternoon games are hosted by the Lions and Cowboys, respectively. Since 2006, a prime-time game has also been added to the lineup, providing a full day of football for fans across the country. This format allows for broader national coverage and increased viewership, making it one of the most watched days of regular season football.

Cultural Impact

The NFL Thanksgiving Day games have become more than just sporting events; they are cultural phenomena. The games are synonymous with family gatherings, where watching football is as crucial as the feast itself. The popularity of these games is reflected in the broadcasting of the games by major networks like NBC, which traditionally covers the prime-time game.

Notably, John Madden, a legendary NFL commentator, played a significant role in popularizing the Thanksgiving Day games. He often introduced the concept of the "turducken"—a deboned turkey, duck, and chicken—during broadcasts, adding to the festive and quirky nature of the holiday.

The Future of Thanksgiving Games

The NFL continues to innovate, sometimes introducing new elements or changes to keep the tradition fresh and exciting. For example, the league occasionally schedules additional games or experiments with different broadcasting strategies to enhance fan engagement. The Thanksgiving games often feature some of the best teams and players, adding a competitive edge to this festive tradition.