Among all the things that Thanksgiving evokes are family, friends, food, and football. As a result, football on Thanksgiving Day has become just as much a tradition as turkey and stuffing.
When Did Football Become A Thanksgiving Tradition?
Believe it or not, the tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving started almost as soon as the game debuted. The first recorded competitive football game occurred on November 6th, 1869 – just 13 days before Thanksgiving. On that day, Rutgers University played against Princeton University in what is now known as the first-ever college football game.
Fast forward to the present day, and you’ll find that football is still a big part of Thanksgiving for many people. Thanksgiving Day football has become such a tradition that there are now three NFL games played every year on Thanksgiving Day.
Game times begin at 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm, and 8:30 pm EST, so there’s plenty of time to catch a game (or two… or three) after the turkey gets devoured and before dessert gets served. And with broadcasting on networks and streaming services, there’s no excuse not to catch at least one of the games.
Of course, Thanksgiving Day football isn’t just for NFL fans. College teams also play on Thanksgiving Day – most notably, the Army-Navy Game. This annual event started in 1890 and is considered one of the most traditional and patriotic college football games of the holiday season.
How Did The NFL Get Involved?
The National Football League (NFL) got involved in Thanksgiving Day football in 1934. That’s when the Detroit Lions played their first Thanksgiving Day game. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since, except for 1939-1944, due to World War II.
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the Lions as another team playing on Thanksgiving. And in 2006, the NFL added a third game to the mix, giving football fans even more to be thankful for!
Pre-Turkey Dinner Fun For All
Considering that the average Thanksgiving dinner packs around 4,500 calories, playing a bit of football before sitting down for a meal is a great way to work up an appetite. But, of course, it’s also fun for friends and family members of all ages to come together and have good old-fashioned fun.
Whether playing a game of touch football, a round of interception, ultimate football, or flag football, spending some time outdoors playing sports is a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. And it’s the perfect way to work up an appetite before indulging in all those delicious Thanksgiving dishes.
A Football Tradition For All
Whether you love football or enjoy spending time with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, playing football is an excellent way to get everyone involved in the holiday festivities. So, round up your loved ones, head outdoors, and enjoy some pre or post-turkey dinner fun.