Thanksgiving is a holiday defined by warmth—turkey roasting in the oven, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air, and loved ones gathered around the table sharing stories. But for millions of Americans, there’s another essential element to the day: Thanksgiving NFL games. These matchups aren’t just a form of entertainment; they’re a timeless tradition that bridges generations, turning post-feast lulls into moments of excitement and camaraderie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan analyzing every play or a casual viewer in it for the snacks and company, Thanksgiving day football games hold a special place in the fabric of American culture. From the iconic Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys hosting annual games to primetime showdowns that cap off the evening, Thanksgiving NFL games are a ritual that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
The Rich History of Thanksgiving NFL Games
The tradition of Thanksgiving NFL games dates back nearly a century, to the early days of the National Football League. In 1920, the first NFL game on Thanksgiving was played between the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans (later renamed the Detroit Lions), but it wasn’t until 1934 that the Lions turned it into an annual event. Henry Ford, whose company sponsored the team, saw the game as a way to unify the Detroit community during the Great Depression—offering a distraction from hardship and a reason to come together. The tradition stuck, and the Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since (with only a few exceptions during World War II).
Dallas Cowboys joined the fold in 1966, when team owner Clint Murchison Jr. wanted to create a new holiday tradition for his franchise. Murchison believed that hosting a Thanksgiving game would elevate the Cowboys’ profile and make them a household name. His gamble paid off: today, the Cowboys are as synonymous with Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie. Over the decades, these two teams have become staples of Thanksgiving NFL games, drawing millions of viewers each year.
What Makes Thanksgiving NFL Games Stand Out?
What sets Thanksgiving NFL games apart from regular-season matchups? For one, the timing is perfect: most games kick off in the afternoon or evening, right after the Thanksgiving feast. This means fans can lounge on the couch, full of turkey and stuffing, and enjoy the game without rushing. Another highlight is the triple-header format (introduced in recent years), which gives viewers three games to choose from—perfect for binge-watching or switching between matchups to catch the best action.
Thanksgiving games NFL also have a festive atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Stadiums are adorned with fall foliage, orange and brown bunting, and holiday-themed signs. Fans arrive in costumes blending football gear with Thanksgiving flair—think turkey-shaped hats, jersey-clad pilgrims, and pom-poms in autumnal hues. Halftime shows are more elaborate than usual, often featuring local marching bands, charity events, or performances tied to Thanksgiving traditions (like the Detroit Lions’ halftime show that includes a tribute to first responders).
And let’s not forget the food. Watching Thanksgiving football games isn’t complete without a spread of snacks that complement the holiday feast. Leftover turkey sliders, deviled eggs, sweet potato fries, and mini pecan pies are fan favorites—turning the game into a continuation of the day’s culinary celebrations.
Looking Ahead: NFL Schedule 2025 and Thanksgiving Matchups
As we look to the future, the NFL schedule 2025 is already a topic of excitement for fans. While the official schedule won’t be released until spring 2025, we can make educated guesses about the Thanksgiving matchups. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will almost certainly host games, as they have for decades. The third primetime game will likely feature a high-profile rivalry or top-tier teams—think the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, or the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills—ensuring that viewers stay engaged late into the night.
Fans eager to plan their 2025 Thanksgiving can stay updated by following the NFL’s official website, subscribing to team newsletters, or using sports apps like ESPN or NFL Mobile. Once the schedule drops, tickets for the Lions and Cowboys games will sell out quickly—so those hoping to attend in person should act fast. Even if you can’t make it to the stadium, streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports Go allow you to watch all three games on your phone or tablet, so you don’t miss a single play.
Elevate Your Thanksgiving NFL Games Experience
If you want to take your Thanksgiving NFL games experience to the next level, there are plenty of ways to do it. First, host a watch party: invite friends and family over, decorate your living room with football-themed balloons and pumpkin centerpieces, and prepare a menu that blends game-day snacks with Thanksgiving leftovers. For example, try making turkey chili with cornbread muffins, or mini cranberry brie bites for a sweet-savory twist.
Second, get involved in fantasy football. Many leagues host special Thanksgiving matchups, where you can win prizes or bragging rights for having the best-performing team. Even if you don’t have a regular fantasy league, you can join a one-time Thanksgiving league online for fun.
Third, engage with other fans on social media. Use hashtags like #ThanksgivingNFL or #NFLThanksgiving to share your favorite moments, debate plays, or post photos of your watch party spread. You might even connect with other fans who share your love for both football and Thanksgiving.
For the adventurous, attending a game in person is an unforgettable experience. The Detroit Lions’ Ford Field and Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium offer pre-game tailgates with turkey and fixings, meet-and-greets with former players, and holiday-themed activities for kids. The energy in the stadium is electric—fans cheering in unison, the sound of the band playing, and the smell of grilled food wafting through the air.
Unforgettable Moments in Thanksgiving NFL History
Over the years, Thanksgiving NFL games have given us some of the most iconic moments in football history. Who can forget Calvin Johnson’s 96-yard touchdown catch for the Detroit Lions in 2012, a play that left fans gasping and opponents stunned? Or the Dallas Cowboys’ 2013 last-second win over the Oakland Raiders, where Tony Romo threw a game-winning touchdown pass as time expired?
Another memorable moment is the “Turkey Leg Award,” a fun twist on the MVP trophy that some teams give to the game’s top performer. The award—an actual roasted turkey leg—has become a fan favorite, with players grinning as they hold it up for the camera. These moments aren’t just highlights; they’re part of the tradition, replayed year after year as fans relive the magic of Thanksgiving football.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving NFL games are more than just a series of plays—they’re a celebration of community, tradition, and the joy of the holiday. From their humble beginnings in the 1920s to the triple-header spectacles of today, these games have become an integral part of Thanksgiving for millions. Whether you’re watching the Lions host a rival, cheering on the Cowboys, or anticipating the NFL schedule for next year’s matchups, Thanksgiving NFL games bring people together in a way that few other events can. So this Thanksgiving, grab a plate of leftovers, settle into your couch, and enjoy the game—because it’s not just football; it’s a tradition that makes the holiday complete.