MSN Slideshow HomeMSN Slideshow NFL Players Who Feasted on Thanksgiving: Best Holiday Performances of All-Time November 28, 2024 | 8:15 AM EST 1 of 9 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.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).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). There have been plenty of memorable passing performances on Thanksgiving Day, yet the most impressive game might have been on November 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.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. 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 November 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.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 November 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.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. On November 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.On November 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.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. On November 22, 1945, Cleveland Rams receiver Jim Benton has 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.On November 22, 1945, Cleveland Rams receiver Jim Benton has 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. Article written by Pro Football Network Share FacebookTwitterReddItFlipLinkedinEmail Related Stories Ranking Top 10 Fastest Players in NFL History The 10 Longest Active NFL Conference Championship Game Appearance Droughts Ranking the Top 10 Most Memorable Touchdown Celebrations in NFL History Ranking the Top 10 QBs NFL Teams Should Want If Starting a New Franchise This Year Ranking the Top 10 Japanese MLB Players of All Time The Top 12 Fantasy Running Backs in 2024 Free Interactive Football Tools from Pro Football Network Guess the NFL Player 2025 NFL Mock Draft Simulator 2024 NFL Season & Playoff Predictor NFL DFS Optimizer Fantasy Start/Sit Lineup Optimizer Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer NFL Injury Report Tracker Fantasy Player News Tracker Fantasy Dynasty Trade Value Charts Related Stories Ranking Top 10 Fastest Players in NFL History Pro Football Network - January 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM EST The 10 Longest Active NFL Conference Championship Game Appearance Droughts Pro Football Network - January 18, 2025 | 9:45 AM EST Ranking the Top 10 Most Memorable Touchdown Celebrations in NFL History Pro Football Network - January 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM EST Ranking the Top 10 QBs NFL Teams Should Want If Starting a New Franchise This Year Pro Football Network - January 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM EST Ranking the Top 10 Japanese MLB Players of All Time Pro Football Network - January 17, 2025 | 7:27 PM EST The Top 12 Fantasy Running Backs in 2024 Pro Football Network - January 17, 2025 | 6:30 PM EST Ranking the Top 10 Nicknames of Current NFL Players Pro Football Network - January 17, 2025 | 12:15 PM EST Ranking the Top 10 Nicknames in NFL History Pro Football Network - January 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM EST Load more