The Tradition of Thanksgiving NFL Football
The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving in the NFL started in 1876, when Princeton and Yale University began playing an annual football game on the fourth Thursday of November. By the time the NFL was formed more than four decades later, Thanksgiving football had become an American tradition. It’s become a day when many fans take a break from food and family to watch some exciting football.
Since 1960, there has been more than one game played on Thanksgiving, and since 2007, there have been three. The games haven’t just provided a holiday diversion; they’ve also delivered some unforgettable performances and iconic moments. Some of these would have been memorable even without a national television audience.
Here are 12 of the most iconic NFL Thanksgiving moments:
1. 2013: Coach interference – Jacoby Jones was on his way to a record-breaking holiday highlight reel, but he was robbed of his touchdown due to coach Mike Tomlin’s interference.
2. 2012: The Butt Fumble – This play is one of the most infamous in NFL history. Mark Sanchez, the Jets’ quarterback, fumbled the ball while trying to run it, allowing the Patriots to score a touchdown.
3. 2004: Peyton’s Place – Peyton Manning threw six touchdown passes, three each to Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley, in a 44-10 win over the Lions.
4. 1998: You got Mossed! – Randy Moss, who had been overlooked in the 1998 draft, had a huge game, catching three passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns in a 46-36 win over the Cowboys.
5. 1998: Flip flub – In a game that went to overtime, the Steelers and Lions had a coin toss to determine who would get the ball first. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s mistake led to the Lions winning the game.
6. 1997: Big Bad Barry – Barry Sanders had a huge game, rushing for 167 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-20 win over the Bears.
7. 1994: Red to the Rescue – With Troy Aikman injured and Rodney Peete also hurt, the Cowboys turned to backup quarterback Jason Garrett, who led the team to a 42-31 win over the Packers.
8. 1993: ‘Oh nooooo… Leon Lett!’ – Leon Lett, who had already become a national joke, tried to pick up a fumble, only to drop it, allowing the Dolphins to recover it and win the game.
9. 1989: BOOM! – A Thanksgiving tradition was born when John Madden started giving out turkey legs to the MVPs of the game.
10. 1982: The LT Pick-6 – Lawrence Taylor intercepted two passes, including a 97-yard return, to lead the Giants to a 27-6 win over the Lions.
11. 1980: A very unhappy return in Detroit – The Lions were on their way to their first playoff berth in 10 years, but a late touchdown by the Bears and a long touchdown run by a Chicago receiver ruined their chances.
12. 1976: The juice breaks loose – O.J. Simpson rushed for a single-game record 273 yards in a game that was not enough for the Bills to win.
These moments have contributed to the rich history of Thanksgiving football, and the NFL has no signs of stopping anytime soon.
