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Ah football on Thanksgiving: it goes together like turkey and gravy. From millions of Americans watching the Cowboys to the famous Kennedy family touch football games at Hyannis Port, there is probably no stronger association between a sport and a holiday in American culture.

Some of us like to actually toss the old pigskin around with friends and family, while others just like to stuff our face, sit on the couch and watch the pros on TV (I lean more towards the latter). Whatever your preference, football is a big part of the day. You may be interested to know that the tradition goes back over a hundred years.

The History of Football on Thanksgiving

The first major Thanksgiving football game was played by Princeton and Yale in 1876. As hard as it may be to picture now, the Ivy League schools were once the dominant powers in college football and games between the prestigious schools drew large crowds. Thanksgiving was chosen because it was a day where many people would not have work or church.

Other colleges and even high schools began to follow the lead of the Ivy schools. It wasn’t long before going to a football game to cheer on your school became a Thanksgiving tradition on par with eating turkey, in towns and regions across the states.

Professional football did not become a nationally popular pastime until well in the 1950s, but Thanksgiving games had been established before then. The Detroit Lions first played on Thanksgiving in 1934, while the Cowboys didn’t suit up on the holiday until 1966. For a long time, the Lions and the Cowboys were the only teams to host Thanksgiving games, but in 2006, the NFL added a third game to give more teams the chance to play before the nation.

Colleges largely play on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but Thursday still has pride of place for high schools. Many traditional rivalries going back decades are played on Thanksgiving morning; the athletes put everything on the line for their town, their team and their school before going home to a delicious meal.

What to Watch

All TV times in Eastern Standard.

NFL

Minnesota Vikings (6-4) @ Detroit Lions (6-4), 12:30 PM on CBS: After a hot start, the Vikings lost four straight before recovering this past Sunday against the Cardinals. Can they keep the rejuvenation going against Matt Stafford and the Lions?

Washington Redskins (6-3-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-1), 4:30 PM on FOX: The Cowboys are arguably the best team in the league behind a dominant offensive line. This traditional rivalry has produced some of the most memorable Thanksgiving games in NFL history, so be sure to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-5), 8:30 PM on NBC: Two explosive offenses will go head-to-head in the night matchup.

College

LSU (6-4) @ Texas A&M (8-3), 7:30 PM on ESPN: Both teams are reeling from recent losses but there will still be plenty of future pro talent on display in this in new era SEC rivalry clash.

High School

High school games will take place in many communities across the country. Be sure to consult your local news sources to find a list of games in your area.