Thanksgiving and football go together like turkey and stuffing, and since 1966, the Dallas Cowboys have been a key ingredient in this annual feast. This year, they not only kept the tradition alive but also delivered a much-needed win, snapping a brutal five-game losing streak with a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants.
The Cowboys’ Thanksgiving games are legendary, becoming a cornerstone of holiday football. Since their first appearance on Turkey Day, except for a brief pause in 1975 and 1977, Dallas has been a staple of the holiday, and this year’s game added another chapter to the rich history.
From Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton, the Cowboys’ halftime show has seen some of the biggest stars in music grace the stage. And in 2024, country music’s breakout star, Lainey Wilson, set the bar even higher.
Before her performance, Wilson received a special gift from Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Charlotte gifted Wilson a pair of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader boots, a symbol of the team’s iconic spirit.
Check out the post:
These boots aren’t just for show—they’re serious performance wear, made by Lucchese in El Paso, and embody the heart of the Cowboys’ legacy. Wilson, honored by the gesture, spoke of the importance of the Red Kettle Kickoff, a tradition with The Salvation Army that has raised millions for those in need.
On the field, the Cowboys had a rocky first half, trailing 13-10, but they came out swinging after halftime. The turning point? DeMarvion Overshown’s fumble recovery that sparked a crucial scoring drive.
Also Raed: Hunt Family’s Thanksgiving trot sets the stage for Chiefs’ Black Friday Game
Backup QB Cooper Rush threw a 2-yard touchdown to Brandin Cooks, and from there, the Cowboys never looked back. Dowdle’s 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter sealed the deal, and Dallas was on its way to breaking a six-game home losing streak.
Despite some late-game drama, including a scramble touchdown by the Giants, the Cowboys’ defense held firm, sacking Giants QB Drew Lock six times and forcing two turnovers. Rush, who finished with 195 passing yards, kept his cool under pressure, but it was Dowdle’s 112-yard breakout performance that stole the show, marking his first-ever 100-yard game.
While Coach Mike McCarthy will likely be nitpicking the fact that his team allowed a touchdown in the final minutes without scoring any themselves, this win provided a much-needed boost for a team fighting to stay in playoff contention at 5-7. Fans, though, had plenty to cheer for—not just the victory, but the unforgettable halftime performance and the Cowboys’ continued place in Thanksgiving football history.