Thanksgiving Day in the United States is known for turkey, family gatherings, parades, and—of course—football. For many households, the game on television is just as essential as the pumpkin pie. But have you ever wondered who actually plays football on Thanksgiving Day and why certain teams seem to show up year after year? The answer blends more than a century of tradition, professional rivalries, and carefully scheduled matchups that have become as iconic as the holiday itself.
TLDR: Thanksgiving Day football is headlined every year by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, two NFL teams with long-standing holiday traditions. In recent decades, a third rotating prime-time NFL game has been added, featuring different teams each season. College and high school football games are also popular in some regions, adding even more gridiron action to the holiday. Together, these games make football one of the defining features of Thanksgiving in America.
The Origins of Thanksgiving Football
Football and Thanksgiving have been linked since the late 19th century. In the 1800s, college football was the main attraction. Prestigious universities like Yale and Princeton traditionally played rivalry games on Thanksgiving Day, drawing massive crowds. At a time when professional football didn’t yet exist in its modern form, these matchups were social events of national importance.
As professional football began to rise in popularity in the early 20th century, Thanksgiving games transitioned from college stadiums to professional arenas. By the 1930s, the National Football League (NFL) started establishing holiday traditions that still endure today.
The Detroit Lions: Thanksgiving’s Original NFL Host
If there is one team synonymous with Thanksgiving football, it’s the Detroit Lions. The tradition began in 1934, just four years after the franchise moved to Detroit. The team’s owner, George A. Richards, wanted to boost attendance and publicity. Scheduling a game on Thanksgiving Day—when many people had time off—was a bold marketing strategy.
It worked brilliantly.
The Lions hosted the Chicago Bears that first year in a game that sold out weeks in advance. The Thanksgiving matchup became an instant hit, and Detroit has hosted a Thanksgiving game nearly every year since.
Why the Lions? Simply put, tradition. While the team has experienced ups and downs over the decades, their Thanksgiving slot has remained secure. Fans across the country associate the early afternoon game with Detroit’s Honolulu blue uniforms and Ford Field (or Tiger Stadium in earlier eras).
- First Thanksgiving game: 1934
- Typical time slot: Early afternoon
- Opponents: Rotating NFL teams
Even in rebuilding years, the Lions remain the holiday’s foundation.
The Dallas Cowboys: “America’s Team” Joins the Tradition
The second permanent Thanksgiving fixture is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys began hosting Thanksgiving games in 1966. Like Detroit, Dallas used the holiday to grow its fan base and national profile.
The strategy paid off. With their star logo and national following, the Cowboys became a natural fit for a holiday that draws millions of viewers. Over time, they earned the nickname “America’s Team,” and their Thanksgiving game became a central part of the day.
Image not found in postmetaWhy Dallas?
- Strong national fan base
- Consistent television ratings success
- A history of competitive teams during the 1970s and 1990s
The Cowboys typically host the late afternoon game. Whether they’re contenders or underdogs, millions tune in to watch Dallas play under the Thanksgiving spotlight.
The Rotating Prime-Time Game
For decades, Thanksgiving featured just two NFL games: Detroit in the early slot and Dallas in the later one. But in 2006, the NFL added a third game in prime time, broadcast nationally in the evening.
Unlike the Lions and Cowboys, this third game does not belong to a specific team. Instead, it rotates among different franchises each year. This prime-time matchup often features playoff contenders or teams with compelling storylines, ensuring high ratings.
The three traditional NFL Thanksgiving slots now include:
- Early Afternoon: Detroit Lions host
- Late Afternoon: Dallas Cowboys host
- Evening Prime-Time: Rotating teams
This three-game lineup means fans can watch football from early afternoon well into the night—perfect for a day centered around relaxing and spending time at home.
Historic and Memorable Thanksgiving Matchups
Over the years, Thanksgiving games have produced unforgettable moments:
- The “Butt Fumble” (2012): The New York Jets’ infamous play against the New England Patriots occurred on Thanksgiving night.
- Randy Moss’ three touchdowns (1998): The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver dazzled fans against the Cowboys.
- Overtime thrillers: Multiple games have gone into sudden-death overtime, adding extra drama to the holiday.
Because of the large national audience, players often rise to the occasion. A big Thanksgiving performance can cement a player’s legacy.
College Football on Thanksgiving
While the NFL dominates Thanksgiving Day itself, college football plays a significant supporting role—especially during Thanksgiving weekend.
Some historic college rivalries traditionally occur during this time, including:
- Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State (Egg Bowl)
- LSU vs. Texas A&M
- Various in-state rivalry games
In earlier eras, college football was actually the main Thanksgiving attraction. Today, most major college rivalry games are played on the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, but they remain part of the broader holiday football culture.
Image not found in postmetaHigh School Football and Local Traditions
In many communities, Thanksgiving football begins long before the NFL kickoff. High school teams across the country hold annual rivalry games on Thanksgiving morning. These games are especially common in the Northeast.
For local communities, these matchups are deeply personal traditions. Alumni return home for the holiday, and generations of families bundle up to cheer on their hometown teams.
In some towns, Thanksgiving morning football feels just as important as the professional games later in the day.
Why Football and Thanksgiving Fit So Well Together
It’s no coincidence that football and Thanksgiving have become inseparable. The holiday naturally complements the sport in several ways:
- Family Gathering: Football is a shared viewing experience.
- Day Off Work: Most people have time to watch.
- Seasonal Timing: Football season is in full swing in late November.
- Tradition: Generations have grown up expecting it.
Just as certain foods appear on the Thanksgiving table every year, football appears on the television schedule. The predictability is comforting.
How Teams Are Chosen for Thanksgiving
Many fans wonder how the NFL decides which teams fill the rotating prime-time slot. The league’s scheduling committee considers:
- Previous season performance
- Star players and marketability
- Rivalries that create compelling storylines
- Television ratings potential
While Detroit and Dallas are automatic hosts, their opponents rotate. This ensures a fresh mix of matchups each year while preserving the longstanding traditions.
Have There Ever Been Exceptions?
There have been rare interruptions. During World War II, for example, the Steelers and Eagles temporarily merged due to player shortages, creating unusual Thanksgiving scenarios. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also forced schedule adjustments, though the tradition largely continued.
Despite these challenges, Thanksgiving football has proven remarkably resilient. Few traditions in professional sports have endured so consistently.
The Cultural Impact of Thanksgiving Football
Today, Thanksgiving Day is one of the NFL’s most-watched events outside of the Super Bowl. Millions of viewers tune in annually. The games influence:
- Fantasy football outcomes
- Playoff races
- National sports conversations
For players, appearing in a Thanksgiving game can be a career highlight. For fans, it’s a ritual that marks the official beginning of the holiday season.
So, Who Plays Football on Thanksgiving Day?
The short answer is:
- The Detroit Lions (every year as host)
- The Dallas Cowboys (every year as host)
- Two additional rotating NFL teams in the evening matchup
- Various high school teams in local morning rivalries
- Select college teams during Thanksgiving weekend
The longer answer is that Thanksgiving football is less about specific teams and more about enduring traditions. While players, coaches, and outcomes change each year, the structure remains familiar and comforting.
A Holiday Built Around the Gridiron
From snowy high school fields to brightly lit NFL stadiums, football is woven into the fabric of Thanksgiving. The Lions and Cowboys anchor the day, the prime-time matchup adds modern excitement, and local rivalries bring communities together.
As families gather around tables and televisions each November, the question isn’t just “Who plays football on Thanksgiving Day?” It’s also “Who are we rooting for this year?”
And chances are, no matter the teams on the field, millions of Americans will be watching—stuffed with turkey, surrounded by family, and enjoying yet another chapter in one of sports’ most cherished traditions.
