NFL and Thanksgiving: A Century-Old Tradition Continues

The National Football League (NFL) has expanded its reach to other holidays, including Christmas Day in recent years, but its deepest and most enduring connection remains with Thanksgiving. The holiday has become synonymous with football, a tradition stretching back nearly a century. It’s a cultural phenomenon woven into the fabric of American Thanksgiving celebrations, offering fans a hearty helping of gridiron action to complement the day’s festivities.

The genesis of this tradition can be traced back to 1934. George A. Richards, the then-owner of the Detroit Lions, conceived the idea of hosting a Thanksgiving Day game. His vision was to draw a larger crowd and capture the attention of a broader audience by leveraging the holiday’s inherent appeal. The Chicago Bears were chosen as the Lions’ inaugural Thanksgiving Day opponent, and the game proved to be a resounding success.

Richards’ shrewd decision proved to be a pivotal moment, solidifying Thanksgiving Day as a prime date for NFL football. It laid the foundation for a tradition that has endured for generations, becoming an integral part of the holiday experience for millions of Americans.

Almost a century later, the tradition not only survives but thrives. The NFL has embraced the Thanksgiving Day spectacle, transforming it into a highly anticipated event. Instead of a single game, the league now schedules a yearly tripleheader, providing fans with a full day of non-stop football action. This expanded schedule offers a diverse range of matchups, catering to a wide spectrum of football enthusiasts.

The Thanksgiving Day tripleheader has become a highly structured event, with a set format that fans have come to expect and appreciate. The first game typically kicks off in the early afternoon, followed by a mid-afternoon contest, and concluding with a prime-time game under the lights.

The Detroit Lions hold a unique place in this tradition. As a testament to the origins of Thanksgiving Day football, the Lions always host the first game. This annual home game serves as a nod to George A. Richards’ vision and the team’s historical connection to the holiday. It’s a tradition steeped in history, representing the enduring legacy of Thanksgiving Day NFL football.

The Dallas Cowboys join the Lions as another team that annually hosts a game on Thanksgiving. Their involvement dates back to 1966. Inspired by the Lions’ success, the Cowboys decided to emulate the holiday tradition to elevate their national profile. This calculated move proved to be a stroke of genius. The Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day games quickly became a staple of the holiday schedule, contributing significantly to the team’s widespread popularity.

The Cowboys’ decision to embrace the Thanksgiving Day tradition has paid dividends, establishing them as one of the most recognizable and successful franchises in the NFL. Their annual Thanksgiving Day game has become a symbol of the team’s brand, solidifying its connection with fans across the nation.

In recent years, the NFL has added a touch of prime-time glamour to the Thanksgiving Day lineup. The league strategically schedules a marquee night game matchup to cap off the holiday tripleheader. This game typically features some of the league’s most prominent teams and star players, attracting a massive television audience. The prime-time game adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to the Thanksgiving Day festivities, ensuring that the holiday concludes with a captivating football spectacle.

The Thanksgiving night game provides the perfect culmination to a day filled with family, friends, food, and football. It allows fans to settle in after their Thanksgiving feasts and enjoy a high-stakes game under the bright lights.

The anticipation builds each year as fans eagerly await the announcement of the Thanksgiving Day schedule. Speculation runs rampant as fans and analysts alike attempt to predict which teams will be featured in the coveted holiday slots. The release of the schedule is a highly anticipated event, generating considerable buzz and excitement within the football community.

The article hints at the looming announcement of the 2025 Thanksgiving Day schedule. It mentions that the NFL typically reveals its schedule in mid-May as part of its comprehensive schedule release. This year, the full Thanksgiving schedule will be unveiled on Wednesday, May 14th, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This announcement is certain to generate excitement as fans eagerly await to discover which teams will compete on Thanksgiving Day in 2025.