The NFL’s most memorable Thanksgiving games

Some things are just meant to be together: Ashford & Simpson, Coca-Cola and Santa Claus, Thanksgiving Day and football. At our core, we are a nation of traditions. The Lions and Cowboys have been as essential to Thanksgiving as Mom's stuffing and homemade pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving has certainly had its share of memorable moments, from Leon Lett’s blunder in the snow to Jerome Bettis’s famous coin toss call of “heads.” We remember these unforgettable sequences as well as we know the back of our own hands. Today, I want to highlight my top three favorite games from this day of gratitude and blessings

November 26, 1998

Vikings 46-Cowboys 36

When thinking of rookies who made an immediate impact in the league, Dan Marino's 1983 season often comes to mind. One might also consider Lawrence Taylor with the Giants in 1981 or even C.J. Stroud's performance last year, where he threw 23 touchdown passes to just 5 INT interceptions. However, in my opinion, they all take a back seat to Randy Moss and his remarkable inaugural season in 1998. On that day, Moss stole the spotlight by catching three passes, all for touchdowns, while racking up 163 receiving yards and torching the Cowboys' secondary. Sorry, Kevin Smith.

November 27th, 1980

Bears 23-Lions 17 in OT

Often overlooked on this day is the play made by Vince Evans as time expired in regulation, which sent the game into overtime. Moments later, his teammate Dave Williams took the opening kickoff in sudden death and ran it all the way for a touchdown, leaving the Detroit fans stunned.

November 22nd, 1979

Oilers 30-Cowboys 24

This was a different era in the NFL where opposing running backs shared the spotlight. Imagine that happening today in a quarterback-driven league—it simply wouldn’t be possible! Ultimately, bragging rights belonged to Earl Campbell, who carried the ball 33 times for 195 yards and scored two touchdowns. Many fans hoped these two would face off in Super Bowl XIV a few weeks later, but the Steelers and Rams had other plans.