Why do Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day holds a special place in American culture, as it is a time for families to come together, give thanks, and enjoy a delicious meal. For many Americans, the day is also synonymous with football, as the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have long hosted games on Thanksgiving Day. These NFL teams have become a vital part of the holiday, with their annual matchups drawing millions of viewers and bringing families and friends together to watch the games.

The tradition of the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving Day dates back to 1934, when the team was in its second season in the NFL. The Lions were struggling financially at the time, and owner George A. Richards saw an opportunity to increase attendance and revenue by scheduling a game on the holiday. The game was a success, drawing over 26,000 fans to the stadium, and the Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day ever since.

The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966, when then-owner Clint Murchison Jr. saw an opportunity to showcase his team on a national stage. The Cowboys’ first Thanksgiving Day game was a resounding success, drawing over 80,000 fans to the stadium and solidifying the team’s place as a holiday staple. Since then, the Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving Day every year, with the game becoming a beloved tradition for fans across the country.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have both embraced their roles as Thanksgiving hosts, with each team putting on a show for fans both in the stadium and watching at home. The Lions have a long-standing tradition of featuring halftime performances by the Detroit area’s high school marching bands, showcasing the talent and spirit of local students. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have made their Thanksgiving Day game a spectacle, with elaborate pre-game ceremonies and halftime shows that rival those of the Super Bowl.

But it’s not just the on-field performances that make the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys such a vital part of Thanksgiving Day. The games themselves have become an integral part of the holiday experience for many families, with generations of fans passing down the tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving. For many, the day wouldn’t be complete without gathering around the TV to cheer on their favorite teams.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have also used their Thanksgiving Day games as an opportunity to give back to their communities. Both teams host charity events and food drives leading up to the holiday, encouraging fans to donate to those in need. The Lions, in particular, have a long history of partnering with local organizations to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in Detroit, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy the holiday.

In recent years, the Thanksgiving Day games hosted by the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have taken on even greater significance. With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, the games have become a global phenomenon, reaching fans around the world. The games have also become a showcase for the NFL, with the league using the holiday as an opportunity to promote its brand and attract new viewers.

Despite their successes, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have faced their fair share of challenges over the years. The Lions, in particular, have struggled on the field, with the team often failing to live up to expectations. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have faced criticism for their involvement in controversial issues, such as player protests and owner Jerry Jones’ outspoken political views. But through it all, both teams have remained steadfast in their commitment to hosting Thanksgiving Day games and providing fans with a memorable holiday experience.

In conclusion, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have long been a vital part of Thanksgiving Day, with their annual games serving as a cherished tradition for fans across the country. The games have become a symbol of the holiday, bringing families and friends together to celebrate and enjoy the excitement of NFL football. As long as the Lions and Cowboys continue to host games on Thanksgiving Day, the holiday will remain a time for gratitude, celebration, and football.

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Source: USA Today