NFL Team Has Never Played on Thanksgiving Day? The article explores the tradition of Thanksgiving Day football, highlighting the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys as annual fixtures. It reveals the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only NFL team never to play on Thanksgiving, discussing factors like team age and scheduling challenges contributing to this unique distinction.
Why Do We Play Football on Thanksgiving?
The tradition of Thanksgiving Day football dates back to the late 19th century. College football teams started playing on this holiday, and the tradition carried over to the professional level.
The NFL capitalized on the popularity of Thanksgiving by scheduling games, with the Detroit Lions being the first team to consistently play on the holiday in 1934. The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in the 1960s.
“Football is not a game, it is a religion.”
Why Do We Play Football on Thanksgiving?
| Category | Details |
| Thanksgiving Tradition | The NFL has played on Thanksgiving Day since 1920, with the tradition becoming annual in 1934. |
| Origins | Detroit Lions owner George A. Richards initiated the tradition in 1934 to boost attendance by setting up a game against the Chicago Bears. |
| Detroit Lions | Traditionally play at home on Thanksgiving. They will play their 82nd Thanksgiving game against the Bears, with a record of 37-42-2. They aim to break a four-game losing streak. |
| Dallas Cowboys | Began playing on Thanksgiving Day in 1966, becoming known as ‘America’s Team.’ Their Thanksgiving Day performance has often correlated with playoff success. |
| Game Slots | Since 1978, the Lions have played in the early slot and the Cowboys in the late afternoon slot. A third game was added in 2006, featuring various teams. |
| 2021 Thanksgiving Games | Game 1: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (5:30 p.m.); Game 2: Las Vegas Raiders at Dallas Cowboys (9:30 p.m.); Game 3: Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints (1:20 a.m.) |
| Game Descriptions | – Bears vs. Lions: Justin Fields vs. Jared Goff<br>- Raiders vs. Cowboys: Derek Carr vs. Dak Prescott<br>- Bills vs. Saints: Saints’ undefeated Thanksgiving record on the line |
| Viewing Options | All games available live on Sky Sports NFL/Sky Sports Main Event or NFL Game Pass. |
| Throwback Uniforms | NFL teams often wear throwback uniforms on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition since 2001. |
A Thanksgiving Day Tradition
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is synonymous with family, food, and football. For decades, the NFL has capitalized on this tradition, filling living rooms across the nation with gridiron action. While many teams have become staples of the holiday, a select few have yet to experience the thrill of playing on Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving, football, and family: a perfect combination.”
3. What NFL team has never played on Thanksgiving? – AS USA
The Lions and Cowboys: Thanksgiving Day Staples
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football. Detroit has hosted a game every year since 1934, making them the longest-tenured Thanksgiving Day team. The Cowboys joined the tradition in the 1960s, solidifying their place as holiday mainstays.
The Third Game: A More Recent Addition
To cater to the growing appetite for football, the NFL introduced a third game on Thanksgiving in 2006. Unlike the Lions and Cowboys, this game features a rotating cast of teams, adding an element of unpredictability to the holiday slate.
“Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.” – Patrick Lencioni
The Unlucky Teams
While the Lions and Cowboys have embraced their Thanksgiving roles, other teams have been less fortunate.
“The Jacksonville Jaguars and other teams with limited Thanksgiving appearances can only watch as the Lions and Cowboys bask in the holiday glory.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars: The Thanksgiving Day Virgins
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold a unique distinction: they are the only NFL team to have never played on Thanksgiving. Established in 1995, the Jaguars have yet to receive a Thanksgiving Day invitation, leaving a notable gap in their franchise history.
Other Teams with Limited Thanksgiving Experience
While not as exclusive as the Jaguars, several other teams have limited Thanksgiving Day appearances. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers have only played on the holiday once.
Why No Thanksgiving for Some Teams?
Several factors contribute to the uneven distribution of Thanksgiving Day games.
Expansion Teams and Thanksgiving
Teams that joined the NFL in recent years are often at a disadvantage when it comes to Thanksgiving Day appearances. With established traditions and fan bases, the league tends to prioritize teams with a longer history.
Scheduling Challenges
The NFL faces complex scheduling challenges when determining Thanksgiving Day matchups. Factors such as team performance, rivalries, and geographic considerations all play a role in the decision-making process.
The NFL’s Decision-Making Process
The NFL’s schedule-makers carefully consider various factors when selecting teams for Thanksgiving Day games. The goal is to create an appealing lineup that maximizes viewership and fan interest.
The Future of Thanksgiving Day Football
Will the Tradition Continue?
Given the popularity of Thanksgiving Day football, it’s highly likely that the tradition will continue for years to come. The combination of family, food, and football has proven to be a winning formula.
Potential Changes to the Thanksgiving Lineup
While the core of the Thanksgiving Day lineup is likely to remain intact, there’s always the possibility of changes. New teams, evolving fan preferences, and scheduling challenges could lead to adjustments in the future.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day football has become an integral part of the American holiday tradition. While the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have cemented their spots as annual participants, the ever-evolving nature of the NFL means that the Thanksgiving Day lineup is subject to change. Factors such as team performance, fan interest, and scheduling complexities influence the teams selected for this coveted spot.
As the league continues to expand and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Thanksgiving Day tradition adapts. Whether it maintains its current format or undergoes significant changes, one thing is certain: the combination of football, family, and food will continue to be a cherished part of American culture.
FAQs of NFL Team Has Never Played on Thanksgiving Day?
Q: Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
A: The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game since 1934, making them the longest-tenured Thanksgiving Day team. The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in the 1960s, becoming another staple of the holiday.
Q: Why hasn’t the Jacksonville Jaguars ever played on Thanksgiving?
A: The Jacksonville Jaguars, established in 1995, are the only NFL team to never play on Thanksgiving. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including team age and the league’s scheduling priorities.
Q: How is the Thanksgiving Day game schedule determined?
A: The NFL carefully considers various factors when selecting teams for Thanksgiving Day games, including team performance, rivalries, and geographic considerations. The goal is to create an appealing lineup that maximizes viewership and fan interest.
Q: Could there be more than three Thanksgiving Day games in the future?
A: While there’s no official word on adding more Thanksgiving Day games, the NFL is always exploring ways to increase fan engagement. It’s possible that additional games could be added in the future, but this would depend on various factors, including viewership and fan interest.
