Three NFL teams traditionally play on Thanksgiving Day: the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and a rotating third team. This annual tradition features two fixed games (Lions and Cowboys) and one prime-time matchup hosted by different franchises each year.
Thanksgiving Day Football Tradition Overview
Thanksgiving Day football is a long-standing American tradition centered around National Football League (NFL) games. Each year on the fourth Thursday of November, millions tune in to watch three NFL matchups. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys host games every Thanksgiving, while a third primetime game features marquee teams selected by the league.
Why Do Teams Play on Thanksgiving?
- The tradition began in 1934 when the Lions sought to boost national exposure.
- The Cowboys joined in 1966 to increase their fanbase visibility.
- The NFL added a third prime-time game in 2006 to expand holiday entertainment.
- These games attract massive TV audiences, making them valuable for ratings and advertising.
Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving History
The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game annually since 1934, except during World War II (1939–1944). Their tradition was born out of a desire by team owner G.A. Richards to promote the franchise nationally through radio broadcasts.
Notable Facts About Lions' Games
- First Thanksgiving game: Lions vs. Chicago Bears (1934).
- Record attendance: Over 70,000 fans at Ford Field in recent years.
- The Lions often struggle on Thanksgiving, with a historically mixed win-loss record.
Dallas Cowboys' Holiday Legacy
The Dallas Cowboys began their Thanksgiving tradition in 1966 under general manager Tex Schramm, aiming to elevate the team's national profile. Since then, they've played at home nearly every Thanksgiving, becoming synonymous with the holiday.
Key Highlights of Cowboys' Involvement
- First game: Cowboys vs. Baltimore Colts (1966).
- Home venue: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- The team has a winning edge compared to the Lions over the decades.
- Cowboys’ games are consistently among the most-watched Thanksgiving broadcasts.
Prime-Time Rotating Matchup
In 2006, the NFL introduced a third Thanksgiving game played in prime time, allowing more teams to participate. The hosting team rotates annually, often featuring high-profile franchises or compelling storylines.
Recent Prime-Time Hosts
- 2023: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- 2022: Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
- 2021: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
- 2020: Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys
- 2019: Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles
| Year | Lions Opponent | Lions Result | Cowboys Opponent | Cowboys Result | Prime-Time Game | Prime-Time Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Chicago Bears | Win (26–14) | New York Giants | Loss (17–20) | Raiders vs. Chiefs | Chiefs |
| 2022 | Buffalo Bills | Loss (17–32) | New York Jets | Win (45–10) | Bills vs. Patriots | Bills |
| 2021 | Minnesota Vikings | Win (29–27) | Las Vegas Raiders | Win (36–33 OT) | Saints vs. Falcons | Saints |
| 2020 | Houston Texans | Win (41–25) | Washington Football Team | Win (41–16) | Washington vs. Cowboys | Cowboys |
| 2019 | Chicago Bears | Loss (20–24) | Washington Redskins | Win (31–23) | Seahawks vs. Eagles | Seahawks |
The table shows consistent participation from the Lions and Cowboys, with fluctuating success. The Lions have shown improvement in recent years, while the Cowboys maintain a competitive edge. The prime-time game adds variety, often highlighting playoff contenders or divisional rivals.
How Teams Are Selected for Thanksgiving Games
The NFL schedules Thanksgiving games months in advance, considering factors like team popularity, performance, market size, and broadcast appeal.
Selection Criteria Include:
- Marketability and national fan interest
- Recent team performance and star players
- Geographic reach and TV ratings potential
- Rotational fairness for non-Lions/Cowboys teams
- Storyline appeal (rivalries, comeback narratives)
About Thanksgiving Day Football: Common Questions
Which NFL teams always play on Thanksgiving?
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys host games every Thanksgiving. They have maintained this tradition since 1934 and 1966, respectively.
When did the third Thanksgiving NFL game start?
The NFL introduced the prime-time Thanksgiving game in 2006, expanding the holiday lineup to three games and giving more teams a chance to participate.
Do all NFL teams eventually get to play on Thanksgiving?
No, not all teams play on Thanksgiving every year, but most will appear at least once over a decade due to the rotating schedule for the prime-time slot.
Where are Thanksgiving NFL games played?
The Lions play at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan; the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and the prime-time game rotates across various NFL stadiums nationwide.
Has any team refused to play on Thanksgiving?
No team has officially refused. Participation is considered an honor due to high viewership and national exposure, though scheduling challenges exist.
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