The Thanksgiving Tradition of NFL Showdowns: How the Lions and Cowboys Changed the Game

The article from The New York Times explores the historical significance and evolution of Thanksgiving Day NFL games hosted by the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. The tradition began with the Lions, who started hosting games in 1934 to boost ticket sales and drew in significant crowds, ultimately establishing Thanksgiving as a key date on the NFL calendar. The Cowboys followed suit in 1966, aiming to increase their national recognition. Over the years, both teams have become synonymous with Thanksgiving football, with the Lions hosting games continuously since 1945 and the Cowboys since 1966 (except for a couple of years). The NFL later expanded the holiday's offerings to include additional games, but the Lions and Cowboys remain the mainstay hosts, creating a unique football culture intertwined with Thanksgiving celebrations.

Key Points:

• The Lions have hosted Thanksgiving games since 1945; the Cowboys since 1966.
• The tradition began to boost ticket sales and visibility for the teams.
• The Lions drew a large crowd of 25,000 for their first Thanksgiving game in 1934.
• Both teams have struggled at times in their holiday matchups, with the Lions having a losing record.
• The NFL added a third Thanksgiving game in 2006 that rotates among different teams.
• Thanksgiving football games have historical roots dating back to the early 20th century, with college and high school games also part of the tradition.
• The article notes a decline in college games on Thanksgiving, while some high school rivalries continue.
  Link to Article