SINCE the NFL began in 1920, the league has held games on Thanksgiving day.
The Detroit Lions have hosted one of these NFL games every year since 1934, while the Dallas Cowboys have done so since 1966.
The Cowboys have missed only two Thanksgiving games, one in 1975 and another in 1977.
A key part of the tradition is the halftime shows which have taken place since 1997.
This began after the Salvation Army kicked off its Christmas Kettle campaign during the halftime of the Dallas game – including a performance by a major artist.
The tradition will continue on Thursday as the Detroit Lions take on the Chicago Bears, the New York Giants face the Dallas Cowboys, and the Miami Dolphins clash with the Green Bay Packers.
Who is performing the halftime show during Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions?
Rising country star and rapper Shaboozey will headline the opening game of Thanksgiving as the Lions take on the Bears.
After gaining attention with his song “Start a Riot” in 2018, the rapper recently collaborated with Beyonce for two tracks on her latest album – Cowboy Carter.
With the two teams heading in very different directions, fans will be treated to an offensive standoff as the Bears try to cause an upset on Thursday.
Shaboozey is performing at the mid-point of the 12.30pm ET game, which will be shown on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Who is performing the halftime show during New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys?
American country singer-songwriter Lainey Denay Wilson is performing during the break of the Cowboys game at the AT&T Stadium.
The singer’s 2019 EP included “Things a Man Oughta Know” which eventually reached number one on the American country songs chart in 2020.
The Cowboys have won nine of their last ten fixtures against the Giants, while New York have lost their last six matches heading into Thursday.
The Cowboys play the Giants at 4.30pm ET and will be shown on Fox.
Who is performing the halftime show during Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers?
The final game of Thanksgiving will see Lindsey Stirling take to the stage at halftime.
In 2010, the American violinist, songwriter and dancer made it to the quarter finals on America’s Got Talent, before she was signed by Lady Gaga’s manager in 2013.
With over 14.2 million subscribers on YouTube, Stirling has since been names in Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 in Music.
The Packers won this fixture last time out but with both teams coming off the back of successive victories, it’s shaping up to be a tight scoreline.
The Packers vs the Dolphins closes Thanksgiving out at 8.30pm ET broadcast on NBC.
What TV channels are showing the NFL Thanksgiving Games and what time are they on?
- Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions – 12.30pm ET – CBS, Paramount+
- New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys – 4.30pm ET – Fox
- Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers – 8.30pm ET – NBC