Thanksgiving Day in the United States has become synonymous with football, largely due to the longstanding tradition of the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys playing on this holiday. This unique custom dates back to the Lions’ origins as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1929, when the team began to carve out a niche in American sports culture.
The Birth of a Tradition
The Lions’ Thanksgiving legacy began in 1934, when team owner George Richards relocated the franchise from Portsmouth, Ohio, to Detroit. In an effort to attract more fans to the games, Richards devised a marketing strategy that involved broadcasting a Thanksgiving Day matchup. He successfully convinced NBC to air the game on 94 radio stations across the nation. This innovative approach paid off, as the Lions sold out their inaugural Thanksgiving game, drawing a crowd of 26,000 spectators, despite losing to the Chicago Bears.
This first game marked the beginning of a tradition that would see the Lions play every Thanksgiving, a practice that continues to this day. The initial success of the Lions on Thanksgiving laid the groundwork for what would become a staple of American sports culture, intertwining the holiday with professional football.
The Cowboys Join the Celebration
Following the Lions’ lead, the Dallas Cowboys sought to establish their own Thanksgiving tradition. In 1966, the Cowboys were eager to enhance their popularity. General manager Tex Schramm saw an opportunity to showcase the team and its cheerleaders on a national stage by participating in a Thanksgiving Day game.
Despite concerns from the National Football League (NFL) about fan turnout during the holiday, the Cowboys proved the skeptics wrong. Their first Thanksgiving game against the Cleveland Browns attracted a record crowd, and the Cowboys emerged victorious with a score of 26-14. This success not only solidified their place in Thanksgiving history but also established the Cowboys as another key player in this annual football tradition.
Today, the games played by both the Lions and the Cowboys have become a cherished part of Thanksgiving celebrations for millions of families across the country. Each year, fans eagerly anticipate the matchups, which provide a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and holiday spirit.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the significance of these Thanksgiving Day games remains a testament to the enduring appeal of American football and its ability to bring communities together during the holiday season.
