The History of Thanksgiving and Football: A Classic American Tradition

Thanksgiving and football: two traditions as American as apple pie. Each year, millions of Americans loosen their belts, grab a plate full of turkey, and settle in to watch some of the biggest football games of the year. But how did this unique tradition of merging a holiday with helmet clashes begin? Let's dive into the long, storied history of Thanksgiving football.

Early Beginnings

The tradition dates back to 1869, just a couple of years after the first American football game ever played. Princeton and Yale kicked things off by holding an annual game on Thanksgiving Day. It became a fixture for other schools, too, quickly making the holiday synonymous with the sport. The idea was brilliant—what better way to celebrate a day of gratitude than gathering to enjoy a fiercely competitive game?

The NFL Joins the Party

The professional scene wasn't far behind. In 1920, the same year the American Professional Football Association was formed (later renamed the National Football League in 1922), Thanksgiving football became a professional endeavor. The first NFL games held on Thanksgiving were played by teams like the Akron Pros, Decatur Staleys (now the Chicago Bears), and Detroit Heralds. However, it wasn’t until the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys came onto the scene that Thanksgiving football really took on the national stage.

The Detroit Lions started the tradition in 1934 as a marketing trick to get more fans in the seats, and boy, did it work! The game was a sellout, and even more folks tuned in on the radio when they couldn’t get tickets. Since then, the Lions have played on every Thanksgiving except during the World War II years.

The Dallas Cowboys, not to be outdone, started their own Thanksgiving Day game tradition in 1966. It was another promotional tactic that proved wildly successful, establishing the Cowboys as "America's Team." The strategy was clear: associate your team with a national holiday, and watch the fans—and the dollars—roll in.

Thanksgiving Day Staples

Today, watching football on Thanksgiving is as integral to the holiday as the parade and the turkey. The games have provided some memorable moments that are discussed at dinner tables across the country. Who can forget the 1993 game when Miami’s defensive tackle Leon Lett famously mishandled a ball in the snow, leading to a Dallas loss in the final seconds? Or the 2012 showdown when the New York Jets’ quarterback Mark Sanchez ran into his own lineman’s back, causing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by the New England Patriots—a play forever remembered as the "Butt Fumble."

The Expanding Tradition

The tradition has even expanded beyond the NFL. Colleges and high schools across the country have adopted the practice of playing rivalry games on Thanksgiving weekend, some of which draw just as much attention as the professional games. These matchups often have playoff implications or at least bragging rights on the line, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday festivities.

Why We Love It

So, why has this tradition endured? Maybe it's the thrill of the game, the joy of shared experiences, or perhaps it's just the perfect activity for a group of people too stuffed to move much but still too energized from their meal to fall asleep. Football on Thanksgiving offers a moment of unity, as fans cheer, groan, and celebrate together, creating memories that last long after the leftovers are gone.

Whatever the reason, the history of Thanksgiving football is a testament to how sports can enhance our celebrations, bringing us together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. As we look forward to this Thanksgiving, whether you're a fan in the stands, a zealot on the couch, or just someone who enjoys the background sounds of a good game, football is there to enrich an already special day. So here's to the players, the fans, and the families who keep this tradition alive—may your plays be daring and your turkeys not overcooked!