Thanksgiving Day 2021: Family, Food & Football
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By Elizabeth Aburto, Reporter, The Real Chi |
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For most people, Thanksgiving Day is a day of gratitude, good food, and quality time spent with family, but for sports fans, the significance of the holiday is even more special since the NFL first began playing professional football games on the holiday in 1920.
The tradition stems back to the 1800s, when college football teams would play on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame; however, it wasn’t until the Detroit Lions hosted the undefeated Chicago Bears in 1934 a professional football game broadcast nationally on the radio on Thanksgiving Day. The Bears went on to beat the Lions, 19-16, but ever since then the league has been serving up a three-game day of NFL action.
Thanksgiving Day football games are among the most watched games of the season for the NFL; only the Super Bowl brings in more viewers. Since the beginning, the NFL has embraced the importance of family and tradition. Many even play alongside their own siblings, Brothers in the NFL like the Manning brothers. The two practically go hand in hand, after all, what could be better than a big feast and some football?
This year, our very own Chicago Bears will be kicking off game day as they face their division rivals, the Detroit Lions at 12:30 p.m ET on FOX followed by:
● Kickoff time: 4:30 p.m. ET
● TV channel: CBS
● Kickoff time: 8:20 p.m. ET
● TV channel: NBC
How are you bridging football and Thanksgiving Day meals together? You can check out some of the restaurants listed below that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
West side restaurants open on Thanksgiving
● Boston Market, 3020 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
● Bob's Pizza, 1659 W. 21st St, Chicago, IL 60608