History, Traditions and the Best Moments

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

7:04 AM ET

  • Todd Archer

    Close

    History, Traditions and the Best MomentsESPN Staff Writer
    • Since 1997, NFL coverage. Cowboys since 2013.
    • This article previously covered the Dolphins and Bengals
    • He lives in Dallas with his wife and their two children.

  • Eric Woodyard

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in November 2021. It has since been updated for 2022.

Thanksgiving Day isn't just about turkey dinner, it's about football. This tradition dates back to high school football, and it continues on through the evening with the viewing of the afternoon game on television as the dinner begins. Well, Nearly As old as time.

The Detroit Lions Since 1934, Thanksgiving has been celebrated at home. To expand the holiday tradition, a home game was added to make it more fun. Dallas Cowboys In the 1960s. These teams and their fans only knew football on Thanksgiving. The NFL added a third NFL game to its prime-time schedule in 2006 with no host team.

The 2022 Thanksgiving Day Schedule:

Why do the Cowboys, Lions, and Cowboys still play at home on Thanksgiving? How does it look for players, coaches, families, and fans who have to put aside holiday celebrations in order to participate? How many thousand of pounds of food are served at the stadium each year? We asked NFL Nation reporters Todd Archer, and Eric Woodyard for their explanations.

We also provided the numbers and stats you need to know about Thanksgiving. And we even went back in time to see the best and most memorable moments of the day. (Note: This article originally appeared in November 2021, and has been updated to reflect the 2022 edition.

Jump to
Thanksgiving records | By the numbers
Best moments in Thanksgiving history

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

How Thanksgiving started

The Lions were the first to host games every single year. G.A. Richards, Lions owner, was born in 1934. Richards arranged a holiday matchup of the Lions with the Bears. Richards had earlier that year purchased the Portsmouth (Ohio), Spartans football team, and moved it to Detroit. He renamed it the Detroit Lions. The defending world champions, the Bears, defeated the Lions by 19-16 before 26,000 people at the University of Detroit Stadium, Nov. 29, 1934.

More than eight decades later, Detroit's Thanksgiving football is a tradition. The Lions went 37-42-2 during the annual holiday classic. — Woodyard

The Cowboys were formed as a home-team team thirty-two years later. In 1966, the Cowboys beat the United States to make Thanksgiving their first game. Cleveland Browns 26-14 at Cotton Bowl. Tex Schramm, general manager of Cowboys (this was before they were known under America's Team), wanted more national publicity and felt the holiday game made sense. However, the NFL was concerned and promised to pay a certain amount to the Cowboys for gate revenue. A tradition was established when 80,259 people attended. Since 1975, the Cowboys have performed on Thanksgiving Day every year except 1977 and 1975.

Why didn't Cowboys play Thanksgiving in those two years? Pete Rozelle, the then-commissioner, wanted to know if the St. Louis Cardinals would be able to build their popularity under Don Coryell's coaching. His teams were affectionately called the Cardiac Kids for their thrilling finishes. The Cardinals lost both of their games and Rozelle returned to Schramm to inquire if the Cowboys would return the Thanksgiving game.

Schramm told the Chicago Tribune in 1988, “It was an incontestable in St. Louis,” “Pete asked me if I would take it back. “I said that it was only possible to have it for a permanent purpose. It's something that you have to make a tradition of. He said, “It's yours forever.” — Archer

Thanksgiving records

The Lions are the team with the most Thanksgiving Day wins and losses, given how long this series has been going. The Bears and Packers are two other teams that have a tradition with the holiday.

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

How does it feel to play Thanksgiving?

Ezekiel Elliott Has played on Thanksgiving Every year since joining the Cowboys back in 2016 has been a Cowboys' favorite. He has no favorite memories.

Elliott stated that his favorite thing about Thanksgiving was being the only team in play, with all eyes on him. “Everyone's watching. The stage is ours, so now we have to get out there and run our business.

Elliott experienced a viral moment in which he tossed Dak Prescott into the Salvation Army red kettle After a touchdown in the 2018 match against Washington.

Elliott stated that Elliott doesn't believe it was planned. It was spontaneous. — Archer

Lomas Brown, ex-OT for the Lions Pro Bowl (1985-1995).According to some players, the Thanksgiving game is a way for them to gauge how the season is progressing or need to end.

In 2021, he stated that “The Thanksgiving Day Game kind of marks a point in the season that you are in.” You're about to start turning the final quarter of the season and getting into the homestretch, or the stretch that will get you to the playoffs. You need to improve your game if you want to make a splash in the playoffs. You should feel like everything is clicking, especially if the season is at this point.

The No. 2nd overall pick, and a native Michiganian Aidan HutchinsonHe will be playing in his first Thanksgiving game, 2022.

He said, “It's going to be cool.” “I have a lot of people coming to this game. This will be my first attempt at playing two games in four consecutive days. It's exciting stuff, and we hope to win a huge Thanksgiving victory. You can then celebrate by eating some delicious food and having some turkey. So that's my plan.

“… “… Woodyard

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving with your players?

All celebrations generally they don't take place until the following day, when Lions fans can celebrate with their loved ones. Brown said he couldn't wait to celebrate with his family until the end of the game.

“Because it wasn't just Thursday night, at most for me, I went on an eating binge Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I would gain weight because my brother would throw down, because you had no responsibility beyond that game. It was almost like another open week, and that's how we looked at it. Woodyard

Cowboys Many players and their families will be celebrating Friday. Due to the late-afternoon kickoff most players won't return home until the late evening. This is far too late for such heavy meals. Archer

Is there a team tradition?

However, the Lions do not. Brown explained that Wayne Fontes, a former Lions coach, placed more emphasis on the annual contest and dropped any inclinations regarding its importance throughout the season. This was also a message that the players took to heart.

Brown stated that Thanksgiving was the second thing that struck him when he looked at the schedule. “The first thing I checked was to see if we have a Monday Night Football, then the second would be who we are playing on Thanksgiving. When I looked at the schedule, that was the order in which I saw it every year. Thanksgiving was the most important and leaders used to emphasize this as they lead the team. All of the boys who came in were taught that Thanksgiving is a win-win situation. We said that this was a game we had to win.” Woodyard

The Cowboys open Halftime of every Thanksgiving game will feature the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff Campaign. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it a priority to support the Salvation Army since 1997. Jerry, his daughter Charlotte and their leadership have been exemplary. multiple initiatives year-round with the Salvation ArmyFrom holiday projects that benefit local communities to raising funds with the 50/50 game raffle, to fundraising for games like these.

Cowboys players will often visit Fort Worth or Dallas Salvation Army shelters to give early Thanksgiving Day meals. This practice has been suspended in recent years due the pandemic.

Players were often accompanied by their spouses and children in the past. Jason Witten was a former TE and had his two daughters and sons help with meals during his Cowboys career.

“I try to tell you what I see.” [my kids]Witten once said, “Look, there's going to be an opportunity for you to give back people that are less lucky,” a few years back. They do it with a happy heart. They enjoy seeing their fans and being able give out food. Archer

What are some holiday traditions for season-ticket holders

There is a tailgating club There are more than 100 Lions fans who meet up at 9 am, often in the Eastern Market's parking lot. They usually cook four turkeys each and each sign up to bring a side. The dishes are named based on the team the Lions are facing — for example, Bears Stew and Mac-And-Not-Packer-Cheese.

Megan Stefanski, a Lions fan for over 30 years and long-time season-ticket holder helps organize the festivities. She travels five hours from Goetzville, Michigan (located in the Upper Peninsula) to Detroit.

Since 1991, Mark “Pilgrim” Mullins has been a season ticket holder. He dresses up each year as a pilgrim to the Thanksgiving Day games with Mandie, his daughter.

In 2021, he stated that “We are known in Detroit as pilgrims.” “Matter of truth, I've received souvenirs from all my close friends this year as it's the 30th anniversary of dressing up as the pilgrim. Since the Pontiac Silverdome days to Ford Field, he has continued to improve his costume each year. Stefanski also attends tailgates.

Mullins stated, “That was the whole point was just to dress up like a pilgrim, have fun and get on television.” “So, it was the next year and everyone in my section was like, “Hey big guy, are you gonna be the pilgrim again?” “So, next year came around, and everyone in my section was like, “Hey big guy, you're going to be the pilgrim again?”. Woodyard

Let's not forget the most famous! Roger Staubach, Cowboys season ticket (or suite) holder

The Hall of Fame quarterback, better known as Captain America, holds an annual Turkey Bowl game at AT&T Stadium on the day before Thanksgiving.

What is Staubach's influence? Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was unable to contain his excitement when Staubach entered The Star in November.

McCarthy, a native of Pittsburgh, stated, “That's Roger Staubach,” before turning his attention to the media. “Man, I'm shook. Thinking back to the Super Bowls, Steelers, and Cowboys Archer

Team dinners

The night prior to Thanksgiving Although there isn't necessarily a Cowboys team turkey dinner, players can still enjoy turkey and all its fixings if they wish. Most players stick to their traditional dinner before a game, which is either a steak or chicken meal, as well as pasta, chicken, fish, or seafood. The majority of people feel full after eating their turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. It is probably best that the players don’t go crazy. Archer

The Lions don’t You could have one big group Thanksgiving dinner. Some guys might prefer to eat at their home with their family. The traditional Thanksgiving meal is usually served to the players the day before the game. Woodyard

What is Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, eating for Thanksgiving dinner?

The Joneses are just like their players. On Friday, after the Cowboys game in Highland Park, they prepare a Thanksgiving dinner. It's a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring dishes that were passed down through generations from Gene Jones and Jerry Jones.

The family recipes for duck, dressing, and sweet potatoes are at the top of this list. — Archer

Thanksgiving dinners at Stadium

All Cowboys suite holders, as well as those with access to the club areas and the press box at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal is served. Archer

Here is a breakdown of what food was served in 2021 according to Legends Hospitality.

  • 11,500 lb turkey

  • 7,600 lbs of Cowboys Mac & Cheese

  • 4.640 lbs of cornbread

  • 4,150 lb of ham

  • 2,340 lbs of potato puree

  • 234 gallons Cranberry Sauce

  • 175 gallons whipped cream for desserts

Ford Field, DetroitThe stadium's culinary hospitality staff will kick off the day at 3:00 a.m. ET in order to make sure everything is ready for the kickoff at 12:30 p.m. Fans can purchase turkey legs, sweet potatoes, and bourbon-spiked liquor from previous years. Suite members are treated to more substantial Thanksgiving meals. Woodyard

Here is a breakdown of food per pound according to Levy Restaurants 2021:

  • 1,300 pounds turkey

  • 1,000 turkey legs

  • 2500 slices of pie

  • 75 gallons gravy

  • 35 gallons cranberry sauce

  • 25 gallons of cranberry barbecue sauce

  • 2500 pounds of mashed potatoes

  • 400 pounds of green beans

  • 300 lb. corn on the cob

  • 1,100 pounds of stuffing

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

Thanksgiving by the numbers

1: How many teams will not play on Thanksgiving Day? Jacksonville Jaguars

4: Thanksgiving without win: Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jaguars

6: The most touchdowns in one Thanksgiving game, held by Bob Griese (1977), and Peyton Manning (2004.

6Thanksgiving Day shutouts, since 1970 merger Since the Cowboys closed out the Cowboys, there has never been a shutout. Miami Dolphins 1999

8.5: Former Lions DE held the most career sacks for Thanksgiving. Ezekiel Ansah.

11: Former Lions WR Calvin Johnson holds the record for most career touchdowns.

18: Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo, and former Lions QB were the most successful career touchdown passes on Thanksgiving Matthew Stafford.

895Former Cowboys TE Jason Witten holds the record for most career receiving yards on Thanksgiving.

1,178Emmitt Smith (ex-Cowboys RB) holds the record for the most career rushing yards during Thanksgiving. Smith has also been the recipient of 13 career rushing touchdowns.

3,000Stafford holds the record for most career passing yards on Thanksgiving. He has played in 10 career Thanksgiving games.

History, Traditions and the Best Moments

Thanksgiving's finest moments

1974:

Clint Longley was the backup quarterback after Roger Staubach suffered a concussion. The Cowboys were trailing Washington by 16-3. Longley rallied Dallas with a touchdown pass of 50 yards to Drew Pearson, with just 28 seconds remaining to beat Washington 24-23.

1980:

After Dave Williams' 95-yard kickoff return, the Bears came back from being 17-3 down to beat the Lions 23-17 in overtime. It was the first overtime match on turkey day. (The OT period was created in 1974).

1982:

New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor returned an interceptions of 97 yards to the Lions in a 13-6 victory.

1993:

Leon Lett, Cowboys defensive tackle, attempted to block a game-winning field goal attempt. Lett kicked the ball forward and the Dolphins reclaimed it at the 2-yard mark. Miami won the next field goal with 16-14

1997:

Barry Sanders and The Lions beat the Bears 55-20. Sanders rushed for 167 yards with three touchdowns.

1998:

Randy Moss, a Vikings rookie, only had three catches. But all three of them were for touchdowns over 50 yards in a 46 to 36 win over the Cowboys. Three catches. Three touchdowns. 163 yards.

2004:

Peyton Manning, Colts quarterback, threw six touchdowns during Indianapolis' win against the Lions 41-9. This tied him with Bob Griese (1977) for the record for most Thanksgiving Day touchdowns.

2010:

Tom Brady The perfect passer rating was achieved. In the Patriots' 45-24 win over the Lions, Brady completed 21 of 27 passes. He threw four touchdowns and gained 341 yards. After trailing 24-17 at halftime, Brady made three touchdown passes. He threw 79, 22 and 16 yard touchdown passes to Deion Branch.

2012:

An unforgettable play. After running into a fellow Jets player in New York's 49-19 loss against the Patriots, Mark Sanchez, Jets quarterback, fumbled his ball. Also known as the “Butt Fumble.”


Related Posts

Leave a Comment