Highlights

  • Thanksgiving Day football games have been a tradition in the NFL since 1920, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys becoming synonymous with the holiday.
  • The Lions started the tradition in 1934 when their new owner, George A. Richards, arranged for them to host a game against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, attracting 25,000 fans and gaining national attention.
  • The Cowboys followed suit in 1966 with their general manager, Tex Schramm, requesting a Thanksgiving game to increase national publicity, and they have hosted a game every year since, with the exception of two seasons.