New Delhi: Thanksgiving in the United States is more than just a day for family gatherings and hearty meals. For decades, it’s been synonymous with football. Millions of viewers tune in to watch the Thanksgiving Day games, making it one of the most celebrated sports traditions in the country every year. But how did this connection between Thanksgiving and football come to be?
Football on Thanksgiving dates back over a century, evolving alongside the holiday itself. With roots in 19th-century college games and the rise of the NFL, the tradition has transformed into a national spectacle.
Cowboys, Lions, and festive matchups dominate the schedule, blending sport with the spirit of togetherness. Let’s explore how this fascinating tradition began and what makes it so special, including the much-anticipated Thanksgiving football schedule for 2024.
How did the tradition of Thanksgiving start?
Today in UChicago history: Football fans fill the stands and a horse-drawn coach at the annual UChicago-Michigan Thanksgiving game in 1895. From 1892 until 1905, the two teams traditionally ended the season with a Thanksgiving Day matchup. pic.twitter.com/U2NLqru8tZ
— The University of Chicago (@UChicago) November 23, 2023
Thanksgiving originated as a harvest celebration in 1621, when the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a feast with the Wampanoag people. However, it wasn’t an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November a day of thanks and unity during the Civil War. Over time, Thanksgiving became a cultural cornerstone, with family, food, and gratitude at its heart.
While the holiday’s focus on food and family endured, its connection with football began in the late 19th century. As the sport gained popularity, colleges organised games on Thanksgiving, drawing large crowds eager for entertainment after a day of feasting. This mix of tradition and competition set the stage for football to become an enduring part of the holiday.
Why do Cowboys and Lions play Thanksgiving?
Football. Turducken. More football! #MaddenThanksgiving pic.twitter.com/2Ice0iF1QG
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024
The Detroit Lions were the first professional team to cement football’s Thanksgiving connection. In 1934, the team’s owner, George A. Richards, scheduled a game on Thanksgiving to boost attendance. The idea worked, drawing a sell-out crowd and a nationwide radio audience. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since, except during World War II.
The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966, motivated by a desire to expand their fan base. Despite initial doubts, the game was a massive success, with over 80,000 fans filling the Cotton Bowl. Their Thanksgiving matches became a staple, cementing the Cowboys as the NFL’s most-watched team during the holiday.
The commitment of both teams to host games annually made them Thanksgiving icons. Their presence, along with exciting matchups, continues to attract millions of viewers, blending tradition with the excitement of live sports.
How did Football become connected with Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving football traces its origins to college games in the late 1800s. Schools like Yale and Princeton organised matches that attracted thousands of spectators, creating a festive atmosphere. As professional leagues emerged, the NFL seized the opportunity to build on this tradition.
By the 1920s, Thanksgiving football became an established part of the NFL calendar. Teams used the games to showcase their talents and build fan loyalty. Over time, it turned into a marketing success, drawing large television audiences and sponsorships.
Football’s ability to bring people together mirrored the spirit of Thanksgiving. Families gathered around televisions to watch the games, making it a perfect holiday pastime. Today, the tradition thrives, with both die-hard fans and casual viewers embracing the games as part of their celebrations.
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