Thanksgiving is a holiday about tradition. In 1934, the NFL began playing games on Thanksgiving when the Detroit Lions faced off against the Chicago Bears. Ever since that football game, the NFL on Thanksgiving has been invited to so many homes.
From the parades to the dog shows, these games on Thanksgiving have drawn large crowds through families around the nation and abroad.
In the United States, families tune in to the Thanksgiving parade, and then switch as soon as the first game of the day is on. These games produced countless memories and moments from last-second winners, amazing plays, and time spent with family around the screen.
Whether you’re a diehard football fan or just watch what’s on TV, the NFL on Thanksgiving is a shared experience that brings families together on a special day, adding a certain dose of excitement.
“With three football games on Thanksgiving, football is always on the TV,” said junior Luke Crowley. He adds,” Thanksgiving is special because it’s about tradition, being with family, watching football, and talking about football. It’s special to lots of people.”
The traditional Thanksgiving football extends beyond just the NFL. Many towns across Oregon host turkey bowls; these games bring the community together every year, fostering a sense of pride and friendly competition.
Junior football player, Daniel Lazaro, enjoys these traditions and memories, pointing out,” to have a community come together on a holiday, enjoying football coming together is a very special thing, making new friendships and having a good time.”
Members of the high school football team on Thanksgiving had fun 7v7 games, showing the presence of the community on a very valuable holiday.
Crowley establishes the value of having these traditions, stating,” If you don’t like football, family is important to a lot of people, and especially my family shares values and watching and enjoying football, whether it’s from practicing for football games or having fun in 7v7 games.”
Thanksgiving is a reflection of a hard-fought season, being able to witness fond memories in football games. Being able to enjoy a Thanksgiving with loved ones, having many laughs watching games, is a special thing.
The Wilsonville Wildcats football team in 2023 and 2024 won back-to-back state championships, and with the 5A state championship game being right after Thanksgiving, preparations for that game will take place on Thanksgiving morning.
Lazaro establishes,” although I love being with family on Thanksgiving and friends, I would much rather be practicing with my teammates, being able to prepare for the state championship game as we have two years prior.”
Overall, football on Thanksgiving is iconic; you may not like the sport or enjoy it, but being able to share moments with your family is a very special component of the overall holiday of Thanksgiving.
This year’s Thanksgiving games were all very competitive and entertaining. Once again showing the special place football holds on Thanksgiving time and time again bringing families together on a very special holiday.