FLOSSI, LIONS, BEARS, COWBOYS, DOLPHINS

"Is that my dog? Yes, that's your dog. And there's a leash law. And if I see you walking that dog without a leash again, I'll have you arrested." - The Apartment (1960)

The tradition of the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving Day has deep historical and promotional roots in NFL history. Here's why these teams became Thanksgiving Day staples:

The Detroit Lions: Pioneers of Thanksgiving Football

  • 1934: The Tradition Begins

    • The Lions' Thanksgiving Day tradition started in 1934. George A. Richards, the team owner, wanted to boost attendance and generate publicity for his newly relocated team (from Portsmouth, Ohio, to Detroit).

    • Richards, who also owned a radio station affiliated with NBC, used his connections to secure a national radio broadcast of the game. This broadcast brought widespread attention to the event.

    • That first Thanksgiving game saw the Lions face the Chicago Bears in front of a sellout crowd at University of Detroit Stadium, cementing the tradition.

  • Why It Stuck

    • The Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934, except during World War II (1939–1944). The consistent scheduling turned Detroit into an annual Thanksgiving football destination.

    • The tradition became a source of pride for the city, even during tough economic times.

"You know what I like most about dogs? They've got a sense of humor." - The Thin Man (1934)

The Dallas Cowboys: Joining the Tradition

  • 1966: Cowboys Enter the Scene

    • The Cowboys began playing on Thanksgiving in 1966, when the NFL sought to expand the Thanksgiving lineup with a second game. The league approached Dallas, which was still a relatively young franchise, established in 1960.

    • Tex Schramm, the Cowboys' general manager, agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to boost the team's profile nationally.

  • Immediate Success

    • The Cowboys’ first Thanksgiving game, against the Cleveland Browns, drew a record crowd of over 80,000 fans and millions of TV viewers, proving the move's success.

  • Why They Stayed

    • The Cowboys, known as "America's Team," brought star power and popularity to Thanksgiving Day football. Their games consistently drew high ratings, ensuring the continuation of the tradition.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers

Modern-Day Thanksgiving NFL Tradition

  • Dual Games and Expanding Viewership

    • The Lions always play the early afternoon game, while the Cowboys host the late afternoon game. Since 2006, a primetime Thanksgiving game has been added, featuring rotating teams.

  • Cultural Significance

    • Thanksgiving games featuring the Lions and Cowboys are now a beloved American tradition. For many, football is as integral to the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie.

“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” - George Eliot

Summary

The Lions initiated the Thanksgiving tradition in 1934 to promote their team, and the Cowboys joined in 1966 to boost their profile. Their consistent participation, combined with the NFL's growing popularity, has made these games a Thanksgiving Day institution.

“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” - Charles de Gaulle

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