Cowboys Thanksgiving Game: A Turkey Day Tradition

For football fans, Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and family; it's also synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys Thanksgiving game has become a cherished tradition, a gridiron spectacle that brings millions together around their televisions. But how did this tradition begin, and what makes it so special? Let's delve into the history, memorable matchups, and the overall allure of the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game.

A Tradition Forged in the 1960s

The story begins in 1966 when the Dallas Cowboys, then a relatively young franchise, decided to take a bold step. General Manager Tex Schramm, a visionary in sports marketing, saw an opportunity to boost the team's popularity and create a new Thanksgiving Day tradition. At the time, the Detroit Lions were the only NFL team with a consistent Thanksgiving Day game. Schramm successfully lobbied the league to grant the Cowboys a game as well, a move that would prove to be a stroke of genius.

The inaugural Cowboys Thanksgiving game was against the Detroit Lions, a fitting matchup given their existing holiday tradition. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Don Meredith, defeated the Lions 31-26 in front of a crowd of over 80,000 fans at the Cotton Bowl. This victory not only solidified the Cowboys' presence in the league but also marked the beginning of a Thanksgiving tradition that would endure for decades.

Over the years, the Cowboys Thanksgiving game has become a cornerstone of the NFL's holiday programming. The game provides a unique platform for the Cowboys to showcase their team to a national audience, attracting viewers who might not otherwise tune in. This exposure has helped build the Cowboys' brand and solidify their status as "America's Team."

The decision to host a game on Thanksgiving was also a strategic one from a business perspective. Thanksgiving Day is a time when families gather, and television viewership is typically high. By playing on this day, the Cowboys were able to tap into a massive audience, generating significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcast rights. This financial success further cemented the tradition, ensuring that the Cowboys Thanksgiving game would remain a fixture on the NFL calendar.

Memorable Matchups and Iconic Moments

Over the decades, the Cowboys Thanksgiving game has been the stage for countless memorable matchups and iconic moments. From thrilling victories to heartbreaking defeats, these games have provided fans with a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable memories. Let's take a look at some of the most notable games in the history of the Cowboys' Thanksgiving tradition.

1998: The Leon Lett Game

One of the most infamous moments in NFL history occurred during the 1993 Thanksgiving Day game between the Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. With the Cowboys leading 14-13 and just seconds remaining, Dolphins kicker Pete Stoyanovich attempted a game-winning field goal. The kick was blocked, and Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett attempted to recover the ball. In a moment of inexplicable folly, Lett slid into the ball, allowing the Dolphins to recover and kick a game-winning field goal. This blunder, known simply as "The Leon Lett Game," remains a cautionary tale for NFL players and a painful memory for Cowboys fans.

1994: The Emmitt Smith Game

In contrast to Lett's blunder, Emmitt Smith delivered a performance for the ages in the 1994 Cowboys Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers. Despite suffering a separated shoulder, Smith rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to a 42-31 victory. Smith's determination and grit in the face of injury exemplified his Hall of Fame career and cemented his place in Cowboys lore.

1978: Staubach to Drew Pearson

The 1978 Cowboys Thanksgiving game against the Houston Oilers featured a classic quarterback-wide receiver connection. With the game on the line, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach connected with wide receiver Drew Pearson on a last-minute touchdown pass, securing a dramatic 20-17 victory. This play, known as "The Hail Mary," is one of the most iconic in Cowboys history and a testament to the team's never-say-die attitude.

2018: Thrilling Victory over Washington

More recently, the 2018 Cowboys Thanksgiving game against the Washington Redskins provided another thrilling chapter in the tradition. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, defeated their division rivals 31-23 in a hard-fought contest. This victory helped propel the Cowboys to a division title and a playoff berth, further highlighting the significance of the Thanksgiving game in the team's season.

These are just a few examples of the many memorable moments that have occurred during Cowboys Thanksgiving games. The tradition has provided a stage for legendary performances, dramatic finishes, and moments of both triumph and heartbreak. This rich history is a key part of what makes the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game so special.

The Allure of the Cowboys Thanksgiving Game

What is it about the Cowboys Thanksgiving game that captivates fans year after year? Several factors contribute to the game's enduring allure. First and foremost, the Thanksgiving Day setting adds a unique element to the game. With families gathered together for the holiday, the Cowboys' game provides a shared experience that transcends generations. It's a chance to bond over football, cheer for a favorite team, and create lasting memories.

The Cowboys' status as "America's Team" also plays a significant role in the game's popularity. The Cowboys have a massive national following, and their Thanksgiving game provides a prime opportunity for fans across the country to support their team. This national appeal translates to high television ratings and a sense of excitement that permeates the entire Thanksgiving Day holiday.

The tradition itself is another key factor. For many fans, watching the Cowboys Thanksgiving game is as much a part of the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. The game has become ingrained in the Thanksgiving Day experience, and the anticipation builds throughout the year. This tradition creates a sense of nostalgia and continuity, connecting fans to the past while also providing a fresh dose of football excitement.

The game's potential impact on the NFL season also adds to its allure. Thanksgiving Day games often have playoff implications, and a victory can provide a significant boost for a team heading into the final stretch of the season. This added stakes element makes the Cowboys Thanksgiving game even more compelling for fans, as they know that the outcome could have a major impact on their team's postseason aspirations.

Thanksgiving 2023: Cowboys vs. Commanders

In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys continued their Thanksgiving tradition by hosting a game against their NFC East rivals, the Washington Commanders. This matchup added another chapter to the storied history of the Cowboys Thanksgiving game, providing fans with a fresh opportunity to witness the tradition firsthand. The Cowboys entered the game with a strong record and playoff aspirations, while the Commanders were looking to play spoiler and upset their rivals on the national stage. The game lived up to the hype, delivering a competitive and entertaining contest that showcased the excitement and drama of NFL football.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys Thanksgiving game is sure to remain a fixture on the NFL calendar for years to come. The tradition has become too deeply ingrained in the fabric of the league and the holiday itself to be easily abandoned. As long as the Cowboys continue to play on Thanksgiving, fans will continue to tune in, making the game a cherished part of the holiday season.

Conclusion

The Cowboys Thanksgiving game is more than just a football game; it's a tradition that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. It's a chance for families to come together, celebrate the holiday, and enjoy the excitement of NFL football. From its humble beginnings in 1966 to its current status as a national institution, the Cowboys Thanksgiving game has provided countless memorable moments and solidified its place in the hearts of football fans everywhere. As we gather around our tables each Thanksgiving, let's give thanks for family, friends, and the enduring tradition of the Cowboys Thanksgiving game.

For further reading on the history of the NFL and Thanksgiving Day games, check out Pro Football Hall of Fame.