What NFL Teams Play on Thanksgiving Every Year?
You might be wondering what NFL teams play on Thanksgiving every year. Here is a list of the teams that have played on Thanksgiving Day throughout the years.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL). The Cowboys have been playing on Thanksgiving Day since 1966. They have played in a record 20 Thanksgiving Day games, more than any other NFL team.
History of the Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving
The Dallas Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving Day a total of 40 times (34 times in their history as the Dallas Cowboys, and six times as the original incarnation of the franchise, the Decatur Staleys/Chicago Bears). The Cowboys have appeared on Thanksgiving every year since 1966, with the exception when the NFL schedule makers could not accommodate then-owner George Halas’ request for his team to play every Thanksgiving. From 2008 to 2013, the Cowboys played a total of seven Thanksgiving games (six in a row), more than any other team during that span. The Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-14 in 2009, which was nationally broadcast on NBC.
Why the Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving
The Dallas Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving Day every year since 1966, with the exception of 1975 and 1977. The team’s owner, Jerry Jones, has stated that the tradition is “as much a part of [the Cowboys] as anything”, and it is one of the most anticipated annual events for Cowboys fans. Playing on Thanksgiving has become such a significant part of the Cowboys’ identity that the team has been nicknamed “America’s Team”.
There are several theories as to why the Cowboys began playing on Thanksgiving. One popular theory is that it was a way for the team to gain national exposure. Another theory is that Jones wanted to capitalize on the popularity of football on Thanksgiving Day. Whatever the reason, playing on Thanksgiving has become an integral part of the Cowboys’ brand.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving every year. This tradition started in 1934 when the Lions were a new franchise. They played their first Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears. The Lions have played every Thanksgiving since, except for three years during World War II.
History of the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving
The Detroit Lions began playing on Thanksgiving in 1934, when they hosted the Chicago Bears at Detroit’s Michigan Stadium. The Lions won that game, 19-16, en route to their first NFL championship. Three years later, the Lions moved their Thanksgiving game to Detroit’s newly built stadium, now known as Ford Field. Detroit has hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since, except for during World War II from 1942-45.
In recent years, the Detroit Lions have become synonymous with playing on Thanksgiving. The team has played on the holiday more times than any other NFL franchise. In total, the Lions have played on Thanksgiving 77 times (75 times at home and twice on the road), which includes annual appearances from 1934-38 and 1940-44, and then every year since 1945.
Why the Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving
The Detroit Lions have been playing on Thanksgiving every year since 1934, making them the longest-tenured team to do so. The Lions originally started playing on Thanksgiving to generate more revenue and interest in the team, which was struggling at the time.
Thanksgiving is also a holiday that is synonymous with family, friends, and football, so it made sense for the Lions to make themselves a part of that tradition. Playing on Thanksgiving has become a rite of passage for the Lions, and they have no intention of giving it up anytime soon.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have played on Thanksgiving every year since their inception in 1919. That’s a total of 29 Thanksgiving games! The Packers have a long-standing tradition of playing on Thanksgiving and they are one of the most popular teams to do so.
History of the Green Bay Packers playing on Thanksgiving
The Packers have a long and storied history of playing on Thanksgiving, dating all the way back to their first season in 1919. They’ve played on the holiday nearly every year since, with only a few exceptions.
The Packers have played more Thanksgiving games than any other NFL team, and they’ve had some great success on the holiday. They’ve won 19 of their 27 Thanksgiving games, for a winning percentage of .704. That includes an incredible 12-game winning streak from 1928 to 1941.
During that span, the Packers won six NFL championships, so it’s no surprise that they were so dominant on Thanksgiving. The Packers have also won three Super Bowls, so they’ve had plenty of success on the biggest stage in football.
playing on Thanksgiving has become something of a tradition for the Packers, and it’s something that their fans always look forward to. It’s a great way to spend the holiday with family and friends, and it’s always a fun game to watch.
Why the Green Bay Packers play on Thanksgiving
The Packers have been playing on Thanksgiving since their inception in 1919. That first game was against the Minneapolis Marines, and the Packers won 24-0. The team has played on Thanksgiving every year since, with the exception of a few years during World War II.
There are several reasons why the Packers play on Thanksgiving. First, it is a tradition that dates back to the early days of the franchise. Second, playing on Thanksgiving Day is a great way to generate publicity and interest in the team. Third, playing on Thanksgiving gives the Packers a chance to play in front of a national audience. And finally, playing on Thanksgiving is a great way to generate revenue for the team.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins play on Thanksgiving every year. The team has played on Thanksgiving Day 19 times in their history, including every year from 1966 to 1969. The Dolphins have a 9-10 record on Thanksgiving.
History of the Miami Dolphins playing on Thanksgiving
The Miami Dolphins have been a tradition on Thanksgiving for many years. The team has played on the holiday every year since 1966, when they defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFL Championship game. In 1972, the Dolphins won their first Super Bowl, and they went on to win two more championships in 1973 and 1974. The Dolphins have appeared in eight Super Bowls overall, but they have not won a title since 1974.
The team’s Thanksgiving games have been some of the most memorable in NFL history. In 1993, the Dolphins staged a come-from-behind victory over the New York Giants that was dubbed “The Thanksgiving Day Miracle.” In 1998, the Dolphins pulled off another dramatic comeback, this time against the Dallas Cowboys. The game, which was known as “The Triplets Bowl” because it featured three future Hall of Fame quarterbacks (Troy Aikman, Dan Marino, and Steve Young), is considered one of the greatest games ever played.
Despite their long history of playing on Thanksgiving, the Dolphins have only won four of their 15 holiday games. Their most recent victory came in 2008, when they defeated the New England Patriots behind a strong performance from quarterback Chad Pennington.
Why the Miami Dolphins play on Thanksgiving
The Miami Dolphins host a Thanksgiving game almost every year, with the exception of 2010. Ahead of their 2016 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, let’s take a look at why the Dolphins are such a staple on the holiday.
1. The Dolphins have been playing on Thanksgiving since 1966.
2. The team has played more Thanksgiving games than any other NFL team.
3. The tradition started when then-owner Joe Robbie agreed to host a game on Thanksgiving in exchange for broadcast rights.
4. The first game was played against the Buffalo Bills and was won by the Dolphins, 27-14.
5. In 1972, the Dolphins hosted the first-ever Monday Night Football game on Thanksgiving, which they lost to the New York Giants, 17-14.
6. In 1978, the Dolphins hosted Thanksgiving games on back-to-back weeks, due to a scheduling conflict with another team. They beat the Bills in both games.
7. Since 1988, the Dolphins have played at least one Thanksgiving game every year except for 1990 and 2000.
