Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and celebrate the blessings of the year. For many Americans, the day is incomplete without a traditional Thanksgiving football game. Whether it's a backyard pickup game or a high school rivalry, football has become an integral part of Thanksgiving celebrations. With the 2022 holiday season fast approaching, let's take a look at what we can expect from this year's Thanksgiving football games.
The History of Thanksgiving Football
The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving dates back to the late 1800s. In 1876, the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played between Yale and Princeton. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that football became a regular fixture of Thanksgiving Day celebrations. The National Football League (NFL) began scheduling games on Thanksgiving Day in 1934, and the tradition has continued ever since.
The NFL Thanksgiving Day Games
The NFL typically schedules three games on Thanksgiving Day. The first game is usually held in Detroit, where the Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934 (with the exception of 1939-1944 due to World War II). The second game is usually held in Dallas, where the Dallas Cowboys have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1966. The third game is a more recent addition, and features two teams from different divisions.
The 2022 NFL Thanksgiving Day Games
The 2022 NFL Thanksgiving Day games promise to be exciting matchups. As of now, the only confirmed game is the traditional Detroit Lions game, where they will face off against the Chicago Bears. The Cowboys have not yet announced their opponent, but rumors suggest it could be the Los Angeles Rams or the Seattle Seahawks. The third game has not yet been announced, but fans can expect it to feature two teams from different divisions.
The Importance of Thanksgiving Football
Thanksgiving football has become more than just a tradition ??? it's an important part of American culture. For many families, the day is incomplete without a game of touch football in the backyard. For others, watching the NFL games on television is a sacred ritual. Thanksgiving football brings families together and gives us something to bond over. It's a way to escape from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy the company of loved ones.
The Future of Thanksgiving Football
As we look to the future, it's clear that Thanksgiving football will continue to be a beloved tradition. The NFL has already announced its intention to schedule games on Thanksgiving Day through at least 2030. As long as there are families who want to come together and enjoy a game of football, Thanksgiving football will remain an important part of American culture.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving football game is a cherished tradition that brings families together. Whether you're playing a game of touch football in the backyard or watching the NFL games on television, Thanksgiving football is a way to bond with loved ones and escape from the stresses of everyday life. As we look forward to the 2022 holiday season, we can't wait to see what exciting matchups the NFL has in store for us. Happy Thanksgiving!
