The Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving tradition is one of the most familiar sights in the NFL; yet, the story behind how it began and how the team has performed over nearly six decades offers far more depth than a simple yearly appearance. The numbers, the trends, and the history shape a picture worth exploring.
Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving History and Its Long Running Success
The Cowboys first appeared on Thanksgiving in 1966, more than thirty years after Detroit had already established itself as the host of the holiday. The opportunity arose when the franchise put itself forward as a second location for an annual game, and the league accepted.
Except for two seasons in the mid-1970s when another team temporarily hosted, the Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving every year since.
The team has long held the middle slot on the holiday schedule, taking the field shortly after Detroit and before the later game added to the lineup. Over time, the Cowboys built one of the strongest performance records associated with the day. The team has accumulated 34 wins, 22 losses, and one tie across its Thanksgiving history. This sets the Cowboys apart as the most successful participant among teams that have appeared frequently.
The corresponding winning percentage on the holiday surpasses the franchise’s overall rate, indicating that the Cowboys have historically managed the short preparation time and national attention more effectively than many of their opponents. The results also show defined periods of momentum. Throughout the late 1960s and into the 1980s, the Cowboys compiled impressive streaks, marked by decisive victories and consistent performances against familiar rivals. These stretches helped cement their standing as a dependable Thanksgiving draw.
However, there were years when the team encountered setbacks. Occasional blowout losses, brutal overtime defeats, and multi-year slumps appear throughout the timeline. The late 2010s and the early 2020s included several challenging matchups where the team struggled to keep pace. Even so, the long-term numbers remain firmly in the Cowboys’ favor. Currently, the Cowboys rank 3rd on PFSN’s Offense Impact Metrics with a grade (B+).
From their debut in 1966 through their most recent Thanksgiving game in 2024, the Cowboys have participated in 57 matchups. The whole sequence of results illustrates a team whose identity has become intertwined with the national holiday.
The victories, the rare collapses, and the enduring presence all contribute to a tradition that has shaped both the franchise and the modern celebration of football. This combination of history and performance demonstrates why the Cowboys continue to hold a central place in the day’s lineup and why they remain one of the most prominent Thanksgiving fixtures in the NFL.