Every November, as families gather around dinner tables brimming with turkey, potatoes, and pie, a familiar tradition unfolds in homes across America: flipping on the TV to watch NFL games. Thanksgiving, already a cornerstone of U.S. culture, has become inseparable from football. Over nearly a century, the National Football League turned pigskin into part of the holiday, carving out one of its proudest and most enduring traditions. From couch-side rivalries to legendary plays under the crisp fall sky, football on Thanksgiving is a fan favorite. It’s a bond between sport, community, and family time, so in many homes, turkey + football = Thanksgiving Day tradition.
In today’s post, we’ll look at how football and Thanksgiving became intertwined, how the NFL adopted and built the tradition, some unforgettable moments, evolving formats, fan rituals, and fun facts. And be sure to stick around until the end for a sneak peek at all the 2025 Thanksgiving Day NFL matchups.
Table of Contents
NFL & Football: The Early Years
Long before the NFL existed, football and Thanksgiving had already begun a courtship. As early as the late 19th century, college teams would schedule games on Thanksgiving Day, viewing it as an ideal holiday date when people were off work and available to attend or watch. Yale vs. Princeton, for instance, played on Thanksgiving in 1876. High schools and local clubs, too, often held “Turkey Day” matches or rivalries during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
When the NFL was founded in 1920, it inherited that cultural inclination. In fact, NFL teams played Thanksgiving games in its earliest years, including matchups like the Akron Pros vs. Canton Bulldogs. But the Thanksgiving games were not yet a regular institution. They were only scheduled here and there.
The real turning point came in 1934. That year, the Detroit Lions hosted a Thanksgiving game in an effort to draw attention and boost attendance. Their owner, George Richards, believed a high-profile holiday game could help make the team more visible and draw fans. That Thanksgiving, Detroit faced the Chicago Bears – undefeated at the time – in a nationally broadcast game via radio. The overwhelmingly positive response to the matchup helped cement the idea that Thanksgiving and pro football were a perfect match.
The NFL Thanksgiving Tradition Establishment: Key Years & Milestones
After 1934, the Thanksgiving game held by Detroit became more than merely a one-off experiment. It gradually became a tradition. Through much of the 1930s, 1940s, and onward, the Lions would host a game on Thanksgiving almost every season (with brief interruptions). By the mid-20th century, demand had increased. Thanksgiving football was no longer a novelty – it was an expectation.
In 1966, the NFL added a second Thanksgiving tradition: the Dallas Cowboys hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game. From then on, Dallas would become a regular fixture (with only a few exceptions) in the holiday slate. For decades to follow, most Thanksgiving schedules included one game in Detroit and one in Dallas.
Television, Radio, and Popularization
As broadcasting matured, Thanksgiving games became ideal content. Radio networks carried the early broadcast of the 1934 Lions-Bears faceoff, showing the power of national reach. Over time, television brought visuals into the tradition. As NFL TV rights grew in the 1950s and beyond, Thanksgiving games became marquee offerings, drawing big audiences.
In modern decades, broadcasting – via network TV, cable, and streaming – turned Thanksgiving matchups into must-see events. The NFL later embraced the “Thanksgiving Classic” branding, with special promotions, uniform variations, and added hype. Thus, through decades of broadcasting evolution and fan interest, Thanksgiving became a date no football fan wants to miss.
Memorable Thanksgiving Day Games and Moments
Thanksgiving Day matchups have produced countless highlights through the years. Here are a few of the legendary ones:
Don Hutson’s Big Day (1939): Hall of Fame receiver Don Hutson of the Green Bay Packers caught four touchdowns in a Thanksgiving matchup, setting a standard for domination on the holiday. (Note: not all accounts list the exact year in some sources, but Hutson was dominant on holiday games in that era.)
Bears Crash the Party: Over the years, the Chicago Bears became frequent Thanksgiving visitors and had many dramatic wins and finishes – often in Detroit. This rivalry against the Lions on Thanksgiving is etched in NFL lore.
The 1975 “Midnight Massacre”: In 1975, the Pittsburgh Steelers shut out the Lions 56-14. That result was so lopsided and memorable that it’s often recalled as one of the more dramatic Thanksgiving blowouts.
Dallas Showdowns: Over the years, Dallas vs. rivals on Thanksgiving produced some of the most-watched games. Famed Cowboys Tony Romo, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin have all delivered memorable plays on Turkey Day.
Barry Sanders Brilliance: The Detroit Lions Barry Sanders delighted Thanksgiving Day crowds multiple times in the 1990s with elusive runs and electrifying plays.
In summation, these games are beloved not just for the stats they generate, but for the stories, including last-minute comebacks, underdog wins, and holiday drama that transcends the gridiron.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving Football
It’s been just over 90 years since that first Lions-Bears matchup and so much has changed with Turkey Day games since then. Here’s a quick list of some of the most notable adjustments:
Scheduling Changes & Prime-Time Additions: For decades, the NFL stuck to the two-game format: one in Detroit, one in Dallas. But in recent years, the league added a third game (often in prime time) to make Thanksgiving a full-day football feast.
More Teams, More Variety: The tradition of hosting in Detroit and Dallas persisted, but the third game allowed more variety. Teams beyond those two began to appear regularly on Thanksgiving afternoon or evening. For example, some years see NFC vs. AFC crossovers, or rising teams given the holiday spotlight.
NFL Branding & Special Uniforms: To elevate its holiday brand, the NFL adopted the “Thanksgiving Classic” or “Thanksgiving Tripleheader” nomenclature. Broadcasters and teams often wear throwback or alternate uniforms for the holiday, add special promotions, and produce festive graphics and packaging. The league also leverages halftime shows, player spotlights, and special ads to heighten the festive feel.
NFL Fan Traditions on Thanksgiving Day
Over time, fans and football-loving families have layered their own rituals onto the NFL-Thanksgiving experience. Here are some of the most popular:
Football as a Fixture in Gatherings: Many families plan the football schedule around the meal, carving out time to watch together, cheer, broadcast their displeasure over calls, and bond over plays.
Tailgating & Pre-Gaming: Even though Thanksgiving is home-centric, some fans gather outdoors pre-meal for informal grilling or neighborhood get-togethers before heading inside to watch.
Halftime Shows & Celebrity Performances: Especially in recent decades, halftime may feature musical acts, tribute segments, or special guest appearances tied to NFL or holiday promotions.
Charity & Community Outreach: Some NFL clubs or local groups partner with food drives or “Turkey Bowl” charity games in the morning, combining sport with giving back.
Turkey Bowl (Backyard Edition): Before the televised games kick off, many families or groups run informal or organized football matches in backyards or parks.
Football-Themed Décor: From mini helmets and team-color napkins to place settings shaped like footballs, many tables embrace a football motif for the Thanksgiving meal.
Wearing Team Jerseys to Dinner: Instead of formal clothes, some families choose their favorite team’s jersey as the day’s outfit.
Halftime Dessert Break: Many time the dessert course – featuring pies, cakes and coffee – to coincide with halftime or commercial breaks.
Family NFL Rivalry: If relatives root for opposing teams in Thanksgiving Day’s matchups, playful bets, friendly teasing and “smack talk” often ensues.
Volunteering or Community Turkey Bowls: Some in local communities set up charity games or food collection events in the morning before the big broadcasts.
Post-Dinner Football Coma: After the meal, many watch the evening game in a food-and-football haze, perhaps nodding off mid-drive.
These fond traditions are often what turn Thanksgiving into more than just a big meal or an epic sports day: it becomes everyone’s ritual, which is what memories are made of.
Fun Facts and Records
Longest Thanksgiving Winning Streak: The Detroit Lions once won six straight Thanksgiving games (a feat matched or challenged over time).
Most Thanksgiving Appearances: The Lions have hosted the most (starting in 1934), and together with Dallas they dominate the holiday history.
First televised Thanksgiving game: The 1934 Lions-Bears game was one of the earliest NFL games broadcast on radio; the first television Thanksgiving matchups came later as TV entered the scene.
First Overtime on Thanksgiving: Over the years, Thanksgiving has hosted its share of extra-time dramas.
Tripleheader Era: As of this season (2025) the NFL has officially expanded from the old two-game standard and will use a three-game Thanksgiving schedule going forward.
First Time Lions and Cowboys on Both Thanksgiving and Christmas: This year (2025) marks the very first time both Detroit and Dallas will appear on Thanksgiving and again on Christmas.
From humble beginnings in college rivalries to a modern, multi-game prime-time spectacle, Thanksgiving football has become woven into the fabric of American holiday culture. What started as a clever promotion by an NFL owner has certainly evolved into one of the league’s most anticipated dates of the year.
In 2025, Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 27, kicking off Turkey Day with some full-throttle NFL excitement. Here’s the lineup and pertinent details for this year’s tripleheader extravaganza.
1:00 PM ET: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Venue: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
TV: FOX
3:30 PM ET: Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys
Venue: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
TV: CBS
8:20 PM ET: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland
TV: NBC
So, pencil those in, line up your snacks, don your jersey, and prepare for a day of food, family, and football that continues to unite generations. In honor of this year’s Thanksgiving Day games, the Gift Advisors from The Bradford Exchange have put together their own lineup to help increase the excitement. It’s our Top 6 NFL collectibles and jewelry for the 6 teams hitting the gridiron on 11/27/25 – all of them officially licensed by NFL Properties LLC!
Green Bay Packers Wind Chime
When not watching the Green Bay game, this wind chime provides serene music for the ears while shining a spotlight on the Packers. Creating melodic sounds with every movement, this wind chime can be displayed either indoor or outdoor, as it’s protected with durable UV coating. It features 8 ombre-colored finished metal chimes with a silvery metal football charm at the bottom. The elegant glass team logo panel boasts a mahogany-toned metal border with a wood-grain finish and a stained-glass-look trim in hues reminiscent of the Packers team colors.
“Detroit Lions Forever” Pendant Necklace
What do a passion for the Lions and a passion for fashion have in common? If both are close to your heart, you are sure to love this necklace that beautifully reflects your One Pride. The Detroit Lions team logo is front and center in a shimmering infinity pendant lavishly plated in sterling silver. And just look at the sparkle of those 15 team-color crystals that wind around the logo beautifully, calling further attention to the Lions. Includes a velvet jewelry pouch for safekeeping and gift giving.
Kansas City Chiefs Sculpture Collection
Patrick Mahomes II leads the charge in this collection of glass art sculptures featuring key players from the Kansas City Chiefs. Captured in action, their full-color portraits stand out on crystal clear glass, emblazoned with the Chiefs logo, team colors, the player’s name, jersey number and rendition signature. What’s more, the sleek wooden bases feature built-in LED lights that shine upward to create the best kind of gridiron drama.
Dallas Cowboys Sculpture Collection
Dak Prescott takes center stage in this collection of dynamic sculptures. Vibrant full-color images of key Dallas Cowboys players are featured on transparent glass, adorned with the Cowboys logo, each athlete’s name, team colors, uniform number and rendition signature. Additionally, the wooden bases include built-in LED illumination that project upward to produce the ultimate form of football spectacle.
Be sure to check out the rest of our NFL sculptures too!
Every Day Is a Touchdown with You Bengals Figurine
There’s only one thing better than cheering for the Bengals on game day – sharing that moment with your favorite fan. Handcrafted of fine bisque porcelain, this limited-edition Precious Moments® figurine captures that passionate snapshot of Cincinnati team pride from the vantage point of a fan couple’s couch. Even their lovable pup is getting in on the action! It’s meticulously detailed and painted by hand so that no two are ever alike. You can even use it for a cake topper for your wedding day or special occasion.
“Fashionable Fan” Ravens Bracelet
Play like a Raven! Well, now you can dress like one too when you slip on this fashionable beaded bracelet. Expertly handcrafted, it boasts 16 individual Baltimore Ravens-themed charms, including team logos, a football, a helmet, “foam fan finger”, a logo heart and more, accented with team-color enameling and team-colored crystals for extra flair. Best of all, it arrives all put together and ready to wear! Includes a velvet jewelry pouch and gift box.
If you loved those Thanksgiving Day football picks, we have so much more in store for you. In fact, there’s an entire roster of premium picks just waiting for you to shop, including NFL clocks, NFL lamps, NFL bar and glassware and NFL trains, all ideal for taking your fan cave to the next level. You’ll be pleased to know our selections feature all 32 NFL teams too! And when you’re on the go, our NFL apparel and accessories let everyone know where your loyalties lie.
Thank you so much for reading! We hope you enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends, and we invite you to shop The Bradford Exchange to discover all the amazing things we have to offer. Oh, and may your favorite team pull out a big win on Turkey Day this year!
For your further reading pleasure please enjoy some of these recent NFL-themed posts where you can pick up more great fan ideas from our curated shopping lists:
Thanksgiving and the NFL: Turkey, Touchdowns and Tradition by The Bradford Exchange
About The Bradford Exchange
The Gift Advisors @The Bradford Exchange are thrilled to help you discover a wealth of artistic treasures, all of which began with passion. Whether you are looking for that perfect personalized gift or a unique collection for yourself, we are driven to make your shopping experience as joyful as possible and hope you are surprised and delighted with what you find. Thank you for your continued support.
