by The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day tradition is one of the most exciting times of the year. Fans eagerly await the chance to see their favorite team take on their biggest rivals.
The first game features the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys are one of the most popular teams in the NFL, and they always bring their best on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions have been struggling this season, but they always seem to rise to the occasion on Turkey Day. This should be a great game between two evenly matched teams.
The second game features the Green Bay Packers taking on the Chicago Bears. These two teams have a long history, and they always give fans a great game on Thanksgiving Day. The Packers are one of the best teams in the NFL, but the Bears always seem to give them a run for their money. This should be another great game between two bitter rivals.
What is The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day Tradition?
The National Football League (NFL) is an American professional football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFL is one of the four major North American professional sports leagues, the highest professional level of American football in the world.
The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day tradition began in 1920, when the then-owner of the Detroit Lions, George A. Richards, decided to host a game on Thanksgiving Day to boost attendance at his struggling franchise. The tradition has continued every year since, with the Lions hosting a game on Thanksgiving Day in almost every year since. In recent years, other NFL teams have also begun hosting games on Thanksgiving Day, although the Lions still host the most games of any team on that holiday.
How did The Tradition Start?
The first Thanksgiving Day game was played in 1934, when the Detroit Lions took on the Chicago Bears. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day every year since, with the exception of 1939-1944, during which the NFL suspended play due to World War II. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the Lions as another team that regularly plays on Thanksgiving, and in 2006, the Miami Dolphins also began playing on the holiday.
Why do NFL Teams Play on Thanksgiving Day?
The National Football League (NFL) has been playing games on Thanksgiving Day since its inception in 1920. The tradition began with the Detroit Lions, who started hosting an annual Thanksgiving Day game in 1934. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since, with the exception of 1939-1944 (due to World War II).
Other teams quickly followed suit, and by 1938, the NFL had four teams playing on Thanksgiving: the Lions, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dallas Cowboys joined the ranks in 1966, and the tradition has continued ever since.
There are a few reasons why NFL teams play on Thanksgiving. First, it is a great way to generate publicity and interest in the sport. Playing games on a holiday when many people have time off from work or school means that more people will have the opportunity to watch.
In addition, playing games on Thanksgiving allows teams to tap into sentimental feelings and create a sense of tradition. For many fans, watching their favorite team play on Thanksgiving has become part of their holiday routine.
Finally, playing on Thanksgiving gives teams an opportunity to host home games in front of friendly crowds. Because most people spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, they are more likely to root for the home team if they are attending a game in person. This can give teams a bit of an advantage over their opponents.
So there you have it! That is why NFL teams play on Thanksgiving Day.
What are Some of The Most Memorable Thanksgiving Day Games in NFL History?
There are many memorable Thanksgiving Day games in NFL history. Here are some of the most memorable:
- The 1941 Chicago Bears-New York Giants game was the first NFL game broadcast on television. The Bears won 7-3.
- The 1950 Thanksgiving Day game between the Detroit Lions and the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles was a rematch of the previous year’s NFL Championship game. The Eagles won, 28-14.
- The 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants, better known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played”, was played on Thanksgiving Day. The Colts won in overtime, 23-17.
- In 1971, the Dallas Cowboys played host to the Miami Dolphins in what was then the longest Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history, lasting nearly four hours. The Cowboys won 24-3.
- In 1980, the Detroit Lions scored 41 points in the second half to come back and defeat the Dallas Cowboys, 45-28. It remains one of the biggest comebacks in NFL history.
How do NFL Players and Coaches Prepare for Thanksgiving Day Games?
The National Football League’s (NFL) annual Thanksgiving Day games are a traditional showcase of some of the best match-ups in the league. This year, there are three games scheduled for Thanksgiving Day: the Green Bay Packers vs. the Detroit Lions, the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Washington Redskins, and the Miami Dolphins vs. the New Orleans Saints. While each team will have their own way of preparing for these marquee games, there are some commonalities among all NFL players and coaches when it comes to getting ready for Thanksgiving Day football.
First, all players will increase their hydration leading up to Thanksgiving Day. This means drinking plenty of fluids, like water and sports drinks, and avoiding dehydrating beverages like alcohol. Second, players will make sure they’re eating a balanced diet leading up to game day so they can have sustained energy throughout the game. This means eating plenty of complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as lean protein sources like chicken or fish. Third, players will get in extra film study to prepare for their specific opponent. This way, they can familiarize themselves with their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and devise a game plan accordingly. Finally, all players will get in a good pre-game workout on Thanksgiving morning to help them warm up their muscles and get them ready for action on the field.
By following these common preparation tips, NFL players and coaches can ensure they’re ready for anything come Thanksgiving Day football.
What are Some of The challenges of Playing on Thanksgiving Day?
There are a few challenges that come with playing on Thanksgiving Day. One is that the teams have to travel on the holiday, which can be disruptive for players and their families. Another is that the game usually takes place in cold weather, which can be a disadvantage for teams that are used to playing in warmer climates. Finally, the Thanksgiving Day games are usually televised nationally, which means that there is a lot of pressure on the teams to perform well.
