Why the NFL Plays on Thanksgiving — And Why Detroit and Dallas Always Host
Introduction
Every Thanksgiving, millions of Americans watch NFL football right alongside enjoying turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s a holiday tradition as familiar as the parade and the dinner table. But how did football become such a big part of Thanksgiving? And why do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys play every single year?
Here’s the easy story.
Football and Thanksgiving: A Long Tradition
Football has been part of Thanksgiving since the late 1800s, long before the NFL existed. Colleges played big rivalry games on the holiday, and fans loved the tradition.
When the NFL formed in 1920, it continued the idea of Thanksgiving games, though the matchups weren’t consistent at first.
Why the Detroit Lions Play Every Thanksgiving
The modern Thanksgiving tradition started with the Detroit Lions in 1934. Their owner, G.A. Richards, wanted to draw more attention to the team and came up with a bold idea:
Schedule a game on Thanksgiving and broadcast it nationwide.
The plan worked.
The first game sold out, radio listeners across the country tuned in, and Detroit became the official Thanksgiving host city.
Except for the World War II years (1941–1944), the Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Also Play Every Year
In 1966, the NFL wanted to add a second Thanksgiving game. Most teams turned it down, thinking fans wouldn’t attend a holiday matchup.
But the Dallas Cowboys saw an opportunity.
General manager Tex Schramm believed the national spotlight would help grow the team’s brand. He agreed to host the game—but only if the NFL promised the Cowboys could do it every year.
The league agreed.
The first game drew over 80,000 fans, and the Cowboys have been Thanksgiving regulars ever since.
Today’s Thanksgiving NFL Schedule
The NFL now features three games every Thanksgiving:
- Detroit Lions – early game
- Dallas Cowboys – afternoon game
- Rotating team – night game (added in 2006)
Detroit and Dallas keep their spots out of tradition, ratings, and decades of fan expectation.
A Tradition That Continues
Thanksgiving football has become part of the holiday’s identity. Families gather, food is shared, and the Lions and Cowboys take the field—just as they have for generations.
What began as smart marketing turned into a beloved American tradition.