What Are the Football Games on Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is not only a time for family gatherings and indulging in delicious feasts but also a day filled with thrilling football games. For many Americans, watching football has become an integral part of their Thanksgiving tradition. So, what are the football games on Thanksgiving Day, and why are they so popular? Let’s delve into the exciting world of Thanksgiving Day football.
The National Football League (NFL) has been organizing Thanksgiving Day games since the early 20th century. This tradition started with the Detroit Lions, who hosted the first Thanksgiving Day game in 1934. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day ever since, except during World War II. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition and have been hosting a game on Thanksgiving Day every year since then.
Currently, two NFL games are played on Thanksgiving Day. The first game is hosted the Detroit Lions, usually kicking off around 12:30 PM Eastern Time. The second game is hosted the Dallas Cowboys, usually starting around 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Both games are nationally televised, allowing fans all over the country to enjoy the excitement.
Now, let’s tackle some common questions about Thanksgiving Day football:
1. Why do the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving?
The Lions started playing on Thanksgiving in 1934 to attract more fans to their games and boost ticket sales during the holiday season.
2. Why do the Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
In the 1960s, the Cowboys’ general manager, Tex Schramm, wanted to create a similar tradition to the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day games. The team has been hosting a game on Thanksgiving ever since.
3. Are the Lions and Cowboys always home teams on Thanksgiving?
Yes, the Lions and Cowboys are traditionally the home teams on Thanksgiving Day, but they occasionally play as away teams.
4. How are the opponents for Thanksgiving Day games determined?
The NFL determines the opponents for the Lions and Cowboys each year. The league aims to create exciting matchups that will attract viewers.
5. Do other teams play on Thanksgiving too?
While the Lions and Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football, the NFL occasionally schedules a third game in the evening featuring different teams.
6. Has the Thanksgiving Day game schedule ever changed?
In recent years, the NFL introduced a third game in the evening, allowing more teams to participate in the Thanksgiving Day tradition.
7. Are Thanksgiving Day games only played in the NFL?
No, college football also has a long-standing tradition of playing games on Thanksgiving Day, with numerous matchups taking place throughout the day.
8. Can fans attend Thanksgiving Day games?
Yes, fans can attend Thanksgiving Day games, but tickets are often in high demand. Attending a game in person is a unique experience for many football enthusiasts.
9. Are there any other football games on Thanksgiving?
Besides the NFL and college football games, high school football games are popular on Thanksgiving as well. Many local communities have their own longstanding traditions of Thanksgiving Day football.
10. Are Thanksgiving Day games important for the teams?
Thanksgiving Day games hold significance for the teams involved, as it is an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage and create lasting memories.
11. Is there a halftime show during the Thanksgiving Day games?
Yes, like most NFL games, there is a halftime show during the Thanksgiving Day games. These shows often feature performances renowned artists and bands.
12. Do players eat a Thanksgiving meal before the game?
Players usually have a team meal before the game, but it may not be a traditional Thanksgiving feast due to the strict dietary requirements of professional athletes.
13. Are there any Thanksgiving Day football traditions?
Yes, besides watching the games, many families have their own traditions surrounding Thanksgiving Day football, such as friendly betting pools or playing a game of touch football themselves.
14. What is the most memorable Thanksgiving Day football moment?
There have been numerous memorable moments in Thanksgiving Day football history, such as the infamous “Butt Fumble” in 2012 or Randy Moss’s three-touchdown performance in 1998.
As Thanksgiving approaches, football fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling games that have become an integral part of the holiday tradition. Whether you’re rooting for the Lions, Cowboys, or simply enjoying the sport, Thanksgiving Day football offers an exciting spectacle that brings loved ones together and adds an extra layer of excitement to this joyous holiday.
