For some people, Thanksgiving is equally—or more for some!—about football rather than family or food. It's the yearly tradition where the stuffing comes from the defensive line and the kitchen. This has been a Thanksgiving Day staple for decades — and two teams are synonymous with touchdowns, tailbacks, and turnovers: the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.
Many fans are committed to this annual tradition but still wonder: Why is football played on Thanksgiving Day? We've got the scoop on why the green beans and Green Bay Packers go hand-in-hand this year, plus a fascinating look at the history of football on Thanksgiving.
Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Marketing Phenom
In the early days of the National Football League, team owners needed to find ways to attract fans to their fledgling sport. While some teams opted to name their squads after the more popular baseball team in the market (See: New York Football Giants), others were more creative. After purchasing the Portsmouth Spartans and moving them to Detroit in 1934, owner George A. Richards knew he needed to make a big splash.
His move? Scheduling the first pro football game on Thanksgiving Day — November 29th, 1934. While the newly renamed Detroit Lions lost the game 19-16 to the Chicago Bears, it didn't deter Richards from making Lions football on Thanksgiving a yearly tradition.
An Unremarkable Turkey Day Record
Unfortunately, the Lions have traditionally struggled to find success on Thanksgiving Day. Their all-time record of 37-45-2 on Thanksgiving means a lot of disappointed families in the Detroit area, who no doubt drown their sorrows in mashed potatoes with extra gravy. The biggest Lions win on Turkey Day? A 45-3 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983.
Despite all this, fans welcome the annual excitement of packing into Ford Field for chilly late-November shenanigans. They can embrace a long-held tradition of bundling up with the stylish knit men's Detroit Lions quarter zip, which keeps out the wind — but won't get too warm when the on-field action heats up. Otherwise, a cozy fleece women's Detroit Lions vest is also a great option.
The Cowboys Get in on the Thanksgiving Action
We've answered the crucial question – why do the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving? — but what about the Dallas Cowboys? This was also a business decision. In the mid-1960s, the NFL was looking to continue its national expansion and growth in popularity.
The best way to attract attention? Another game on Thanksgiving, so the entire country could watch violent collisions with friends and family. General manager Texx Schramm loved the idea and volunteered the Cowboys to be a part of the yearly festivities. On November 24, 1966, the Cowboys defeated the Cleveland Browns at the Cotton Bowl, securing the first of many Thanksgiving Day victories for Big D.
Before football came to Dallas on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys were a mediocre squad coached by an unknown named Tom Landry. That all changed in 1966, when the Cowboys began an incredible march towards becoming America's Team. From 1966 to 1998, the Cowboys scored nineteen division titles and five Super Bowls — all while showcasing their dominance on Thanksgiving.
How a Stormy Fumble Made History
An astounding all-time record of 33-22-1 means that a victory on Thanksgiving for the Cowboys is just as likely as a post-turkey nap on the couch. That being said, an unexpected loss led to arguably the most memorable holiday game in franchise history.
In 1993, a storm coated the turf at Texas Stadium with a slick layer of ice and snow. With time expiring, Miami Dolphins kicker Pete Stoyanovich's game-winning field goal was blocked. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, fan-favorite lineman Leon Lett tried pouncing on the pigskin — but slipped and kicked it instead.
The Dolphins recovered the live ball and Stoyanovich converted his second chance at the game-winner, giving the Dolphins a 16-14 win. Fins fans can look back at that messy miracle in their favorite Dolphins stretch men's Miami Dolphins polo shirt and hope those conditions never impact a home game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Adding to the Football Frenzy
Just like hungry relatives going back for thirds on pumpkin pie, the NFL can't get enough of a good thing. Since 2006, a third Thanksgiving game has been played in primetime, featuring a new matchup of teams every year.
Highlights include the 2011 Harbaugh Bowl, featuring brothers John (with the Ravens) and Jim (coaching the 49ers) doing battle – and the 2015 matchup between bitter rivals (Packers vs Bears). This new tradition has been a smashing success, as it gives fans outside of Detroit and Dallas a chance to see their team host a Thanksgiving Night game.
This year, the Green Bay Packers will return to the Thanksgiving football table, taking on the Miami Dolphins. This is the perfect opportunity to show off an eye-catching men’s Miami Dolphins polo and pay homage to the Packers’ powerful legacy with a vintage camo print women’s Packers pullover.
Elevating Traditions With Football History
The next time friends or family members ask, "Why do the Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?" enlighten them by regaling the history behind the NFL's longest-running tradition. Add to the allure with sophisticated apparel: a trendy Detroit Lions women's funnel neck is sure to stand out. This is one tradition worth keeping.
Embrace a New Chapter in Football Fandom With Fan Apparel
As you look forward to another year of kicking back with some Thanksgiving football, plan for the ultimate viewing outfit: something equal parts cozy and classy. Upgrade your football wardrobe with top picks from our exclusive NFL apparel collection and get ready to cheer in style all season long.
