The NFL has played games on Thanksgiving Day since the league’s inception in 1920. While the annual games didn’t become a national spectacle until 1934, NFL football has become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day over the last century.
While there have been plenty of memorable performances on Thanksgiving Day around the league over the years, there are a few moments that standout among the rest. Here are the five best Thanksgiving Day performances of all time.
5 Best Thanksgiving Day Performances of All Time
Jim Benton Reaches Historic Receiving Milestone (1945)
On Nov. 22, 1945, Cleveland Rams receiver Jim Benton had a historical performance against the Detroit Lions. Benton became the first player in NFL history to eclipse 300 receiving yards in a single game, thanks to his connection with Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Waterfield.
Benton hauled in 10 receptions for 303 receiving yards, eventually leading the Rams to a 28-21 victory over the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Despite his historic performance on offense, Benton also intercepted a pass on Detroit’s first play of the game as well. Adding another layer to his unforgettable performance on a national holiday.
Barry Sanders’ Iconic First-Half Rushing Performance (1997)
On Nov. 27, 1997, Lions superstar running back Barry Sanders put together one of the greatest rushing performances in NFL history. While O.J. Simpson rushed for 273 yards on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, his team ultimately lost, and he played the entire game.
Sanders had 19 carries for 167 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the first half against the Chicago Bears. Thanks to Detroit taking a 31-10 lead into halftime, Sanders never played a single snap in the second half of the game, as the Lions cruised to a 55-20 victory.
While Simpson technically holds the record for rushing yards on Thanksgiving Day, Sanders’ performance is more impressive, thanks to sitting out an entire half and his team winning.
Randy Moss Hauls in Three Long Touchdowns (1998)
After the Dallas Cowboys famously passed on eventual Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss in the 1998 NFL Draft, the rookie made them pay on Thanksgiving Day. Moss had an unforgettable performance for the Minnesota Vikings against the Cowboys on Nov. 26, 1998.
While Moss only hauled in three receptions against the Cowboys, he made each catch count. Moss had three receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns to power the Vikings to a 46-36 victory over the Cowboys.
Moss’ performance has famously grown into a meme, thanks to his absurd stat line in Dallas. No player has ever recorded more than three receiving touchdowns on the national holiday, as Moss’ name remains in the record books on Thanksgiving Day.
Peyton Manning Throws Six Touchdown Passes (2004)
There have been plenty of memorable passing performances on Thanksgiving Day, yet the most impressive game might have been on Nov. 25, 2004. Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to a dominant 41-9 road victory over the Lions.
Manning threw six touchdowns against the Lions, matching former Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese’s six-touchdown performance on Thanksgiving Day in 1977. Yet Manning’s performance was slightly more impressive, thanks to his efficiency.
While Griese threw an interception and had a completion percentage of 65.2% against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1977, Manning didn’t throw an interception and completed 82.1% of his passes against the Lions in 2004.
Cameron Jordan Records Four Sacks Against Division Rival (2019)
While all of the offensive performances on Thanksgiving Day receive most of the attention, it’s only right to show some love to the defense. New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan enjoyed a record-setting performance against the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.
Jordan has never been afraid to voice his displeasure with the Saints’ division rivals, and he recorded four sacks against the Falcons on Thanksgiving Day. Jordan holds the record for most sacks in a single game on the national holiday (4), while former Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah holds the record for most career sacks on Thanksgiving Day (8.5).