The Storied History of Thanksgiving Football

Thanksgiving is not solely about turkey, family gatherings, and pie — it also stands as one of the most significant football days of the year. For over a century, Americans have congregated around their televisions after enjoying a generous meal to witness teams compete fiercely on the field. But what led to football becoming such an entrenched Thanksgiving tradition?

Early Days: Football Takes the Stage (Late 1800s)

The bond between Thanksgiving and football first emerged in the late 1800s. In 1876, just a few years after the sport's inception, the inaugural major Thanksgiving football game took place between Yale and Princeton. During this era, college football was immensely popular, and these Thanksgiving matchups transformed into monumental cultural events. Lacking the presence of televisions, families traveled from long distances, dressed in heavy coats, and filled stadiums to cheer passionately for their favored teams.

By the 1890s, the phenomenon of Thanksgiving football had proliferated across the nation. High schools, towns, and colleges all organized significant rivalry games to take place on the holiday. It grew to such prominence that newspapers declared Thanksgiving the “official holiday for football.”

The NFL Joins the Tradition (1930s–1970s)

With the establishment of the NFL, it wasn’t long before it became part of the Thanksgiving celebrations. The first NFL Thanksgiving game unfolded in 1934 when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears. That game garnered such immense popularity that Detroit has retained the tradition of playing on Thanksgiving each year since, with the exception of World War II. The Lions subsequently emerged as Thanksgiving’s first genuine “home team.”

In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys also embraced the tradition in an effort to enhance their national appeal. This strategy proved successful, as their Thanksgiving game evolved into one of the most-watched sporting events annually. Presently, both the Lions and Cowboys are integral to the Thanksgiving celebration, effectively anchoring the afternoon's games.

A New Era: Primetime Football and Big Moments

In 2006, the NFL introduced a third Thanksgiving matchup: a primetime night game. This innovation enabled even more teams to craft Thanksgiving memories featuring dramatic comebacks, surprising upsets, and unforgettable performances.

Throughout the years, Thanksgiving games have offered fans a multitude of iconic moments: Barry Sanders evading defenders, Tony Romo illuminating the scoreboard, and thrilling finishes that elicit enthusiastic shouts from families gathered around the television between bites of pumpkin pie.

Why It Matters Today

Football on Thanksgiving has evolved into a cherished tradition that unites people, mirroring the essence of the holiday itself. Whether you’re passionately supporting your favorite team, enjoying the company of family, or simply reveling in the excitement, Thanksgiving football serves as a reminder of the joy inherent in coming together.

So, gather your food, settle into a comfortable seat, and relish the games!