Why The Dallas Cowboys and Thanksgiving Are Forever Linked

Every Thanksgiving, families across the Permian Basin assemble for a meal of turkey, pie, tamales, and family.

It's relatively the same thing every year, right?

Despite the redundancy of the annual festivities, one thing that people seemingly overlook is the notion that the Dallas Cowboys always seem to play on Thanksgiving Day.

Whether you are a fan or not, it is usually a given that the Cowboys are going to be playing on television.

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How Did This Tradition Begin?

The tradition commenced in 1966 when Tex Schramm, the Cowboys' general manager, sought strategies to enhance the team's national recognition.

At that juncture, Dallas was establishing its identity and had not yet achieved the extensive fan base it currently enjoys.

Schramm negotiated a deal with the NFL to host a game on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition previously held by the Detroit Lions since 1934.

This move was risky, as many teams were hesitant due to the condensed preparation week. Nevertheless, it proved highly successful.

Have the Cowboys Ever Not Played on Thanksgiving Since 1966?

Since then, the Dallas Cowboys have hosted nearly every Thanksgiving Day game, with the exceptions of 1975 and 1977.

During those years, the NFL experimented with other markets. However, fans did not respond favorably to the change, and ratings decreased.

Consequently, the league promptly reinstated the Cowboys' annual Thanksgiving Day slot in 1978, and it has remained unchallenged since then.

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Beyond the football, the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving game has become an integral part of the holiday's tradition not only in Texas, but nationwide overall.

Alongside parades and pumpkin pie, it unites families, brings fans together across the nation, and infuses the holiday with a distinct Texas-sized energy and pride.

All of this is regardless of whether you are a fan or not.