How did the Lions and the Cowboys get chosen to play on Thanksgiving?

Why is it a tradition that the Lions play a home game at 1 and the Cowboys play a home game at 4?

5 Comments so far

. Had this To Say

They didn’t get chosen, they opted to have games on Thanksgiving Day. They wanted to set a tradition, got approval from the league and that’s where we are today.
Football and Basketball rock Had this To Say

No idea…lol

I think the tradition should be the same with those two teams playing each and every thanksgiving day. I also like adding a good game after the two games. (lions game and cowboys game)
zsportsfan Had this To Say

For Detroit it may have something to do with the power of radio. In Dallas’ case it probably had a lot to do with Tex Schramm and his role in the merger of the AFL and NFL in 1966—the first year that Dallas made an appearance on Thanksgiving day. Both teams at one point could (or did) call themselves “America’s team.”
Michael M Had this To Say

they volunteered in the day.
tv wanted games and both came to the table.
phoenix12233 Had this To Say

I really don’t like the Cowgirls at all. I would rather see anybody else play then them.

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