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Jason Garrett Shocking Revelation About John Madden Turkey

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Richie Whitt | Last updated Dec 3, 2024 4:02 PM ET

In 1994 Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Jason Garrett had his moment in the sun. Then, for 15 years, the "trophy" for his performance lived in the freezer.

With Troy Aikman and backup Rodney Peete out with injuries, Garrett got only the second start of his NFL career. It was sobering early, as his interception helped the Cowboys fall into a 17-3 hold against the Green Bay Packers. But what he produced in the second half at Texas Stadium remains one of the most amazing Thanksgiving days in franchise history.

Garrett threw for 311 yards and two long touchdowns to Alvin Harper and Michael Irvin as the Cowboys scored a team-record 36 second-half points on their way to a 42-31 victory over Brett Favre and the Packers. The win allowed the Cowboys to improve to 10-2 and maintain momentum in their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.

For his startling performance, he was awarded a leg off of John Madden's traditional "turducken" along with teammates Charles Haley, Nate Newton and Emmitt Smith. Long since retired as a player and later a Cowboys' head coach, Garrett worked last week's Thanksgiving night game on NBC between the Packers and Miami Dolphins.

Broadcast partner Mike Tirico asked Garrett what became of his trophy turkey leg, and got a shocking answer.

“You know something, I had it in the freezer,” Garrett said. “It was in tin foil.”

“For how long?” Tirico responded.

Said Garrett, “I probably had it for 15 years. Then we finally moved.”

His wife, Brill, apparently threw it out. According to that timeline, in 2009 Garrett was the Cowboys' offensive coordinator and top assistant to head coach Wade Phillips.

The turkey may be gone, but the memory will live forever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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