5 most memorable NFL games played on Thanksgiving

Nothing says Thanksgiving like turkeys, stuffing and pigskin.

Sure, a soccer custom since 1945 continues this Thanksgiving with the annual slate of NFL video games.

Listed below are the 5 most memorable NFL video games performed on Thanksgiving as voted upon by you, the followers.

Chicago Bears running back Dave Williams runs against Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving 1980

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears operating again Dave Williams made NFL historical past together with his game-winning 95-yard kickoff return in time beyond regulation towards the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 27, 1980, in Pontiac, Mich.

The Lions led the Bears 17-3 headed into the fourth quarter of the primary Thanksgiving time beyond regulation recreation.

Chicago outscored Detroit 14-0 within the last quarter and compelled time beyond regulation when quarterback Vince Evans scrambled and dove into the top zone on the final play of regulation. However it did not final lengthy.

Bears operating again Dave Williams returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for the game-winning landing in an time beyond regulation that lasted simply 13 seconds — the shortest in NFL historical past.

Dallas Cowboys QB Troy Aikman tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Reggie White in December 1989 with 'Bounty Bowl' banner in background

Brad Bower/AP

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman is unable to get a cross off as he’s tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive finish Reggie White through the first half as a “Bounty Bowl” banner is displayed within the background, Dec. 10, 1989, in Philadelphia.

This recreation has been dubbed the “Bounty Bowl” due to allegations that Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan had positioned bounties on Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas and rookie quarterback Troy Aikman.

First-year Dallas head coach Jimmy Johnson claimed that there was a $200 bounty on Zendejas, who had been reduce by Philadelphia earlier within the season, and a $500 bounty on Aikman.

“I’ve completely no respect for the best way they performed the sport,” Johnson informed reporters after the lopsided loss. “I might have mentioned one thing to Buddy, however he would not stand on the sector lengthy sufficient. He put his large, fats rear finish into the dressing room.”

Ryan denied the accusation.

“I resent that,” he mentioned. “I have been on a weight loss program, misplaced a few kilos. I assumed I used to be wanting good.”

New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez hit by New England Patriots on Thanksgiving in 2012

Julio Cortez/AP

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is hit by New England Patriots defensive finish Jermaine Cunningham (96) and Justin Francis (94) through the second half Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets misplaced the sport 49-19.

This Thanksgiving battle of AFC East Division groups shall ceaselessly be often known as the “butt fumble” recreation.

After a scoreless first quarter, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez collided with the gluteus maximus of offensive lineman Brandon Moore, inflicting him to fumble the soccer. It was recovered by Patriots security Steve Gregory and returned for a landing.

The mishap was the centerpiece of a calamitous collection of occasions for the Jets within the second quarter, throughout which era they misplaced three fumbles and the Patriots discovered the top zone thrice — one every on offense, protection and particular groups — in a span of 52 seconds.

New England outscored the Jets 35-3 that quarter on the best way to a 49-19 victory within the first Thanksgiving prime-time recreation on a broadcast community.

Detroit Lions kicker Chris Hanson after kicking game-winning FG vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving in 1998

Carlos Osorio/AP

Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson watches his game-winning subject aim in time beyond regulation as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Carnell Lake seems on Thursday, Nov. 26, 1998, in Pontiac, Mich. Pittsburgh gained 19-16.

This recreation is probably greatest remembered for what occurred through the coin toss to find out whether or not Detroit or Pittsburgh obtained the ball first in sudden-death time beyond regulation.

Steelers operating again Jerome Bettis claimed he known as “tails,” however referee Phil Luckett insisted that Bettis had known as “heads-tails.” NFL guidelines dictate {that a} staff’s first name should be used, so Luckett awarded the ball to the Lions, who gained on a 42-yard subject aim on their first possession in time beyond regulation.

Because of this, the NFL now requires that the staff captain name heads or tails earlier than the coin toss.

Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys meet on snow-covered field at Texas Stadium on Thanksgiving in 1993

Glenn James/AP

The Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins meet on the icy subject of Texas Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1993, in Irving, Texas.

The defending Tremendous Bowl champions have been going through the Dan Marino-less Dolphins on a snow-covered subject in what has since turn into a Thanksgiving basic.

Trailing 14-13 with 15 seconds remaining, Dolphins head coach Don Shula despatched kicker Pete Stoyanovich onto the sector to try a 41-yard subject aim. The kick was blocked by Dallas defensive deal with Jimmie Jones, however whereas his teammates have been celebrating, fellow lineman Leon Lett ran towards the soccer, previous a couple of Dolphins gamers, slipped on the frozen turf and kicked the ball.

The Dolphins recovered the free ball and Stoyanovich made a 19-yard subject aim with three seconds left to provide Miami a 16-14 victory.

It was the ultimate loss for Jimmy Johnson as head coach of the Cowboys, who gained out on their strategy to back-to-back Tremendous Bowl trophies. The Dolphins did not win once more for the remainder of the season.


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