New England Patriots’ Thanksgiving Football: A Mixed Bag of Memories
While many football fans gear up for the traditional Thanksgiving Day matchups featuring the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots find themselves on the sidelines this year. After a season filled with ups and downs, the team will enjoy the holiday from the comfort of their homes, reminiscing about their sparse history of Thanksgiving games.
Thanksgiving games have been relatively rare for the Patriots, with the franchise having suited up on this holiday just six times since its inception. Here, we take a look back at each of those memorable matchups, highlighting both the victories and the defeats that have come to define this unique aspect of their history.
The First Thanksgiving Showdown
November 11, 1984: Cowboys 20, Patriots 17
The Patriots’ inaugural Thanksgiving Day game was a closely contested affair. Despite the team’s overall success that season—winning nine games—the 1984 squad fell short against the Dallas Cowboys. After rallying to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, the Patriots couldn’t hold on as Cowboys kicker Rafael Septien clinched the victory with a 23-yard field goal.
A Rookie’s First Steps
November 23, 2000: Lions 34, Patriots 9
This contest is etched in Patriots lore not for the score, but for a pivotal moment in franchise history. Trailing the Detroit Lions by multiple scores, the Patriots turned to a rookie quarterback named Tom Brady, who made his debut with just three passes, completing one. This game marked the only season in Brady’s illustrious career where he did not start as the team’s primary quarterback.
Reversal of Fortune
November 28, 2002: Patriots 20, Lions 12
In a game celebrated for its uniform aesthetics, the Patriots faced off against the Lions in striking throwback jerseys. The highlight of the match came from linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who made a game-changing 27-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter, securing New England’s seventh win of the 2002 season.
Dominance on Display
November 25, 2010: Patriots 45, Lions 24
This matchup showcased the explosive potential of the Patriots under Tom Brady’s leadership. The Lions initially held a narrow lead at halftime, but a second-half surge propelled New England to victory. Brady connected with Deion Branch for two touchdowns, both against cornerback Alphonso Smith, and ultimately threw four touchdown passes, marking the Patriots’ second Thanksgiving triumph in Detroit.
Thanksgiving Glory
November 22, 2012: Patriots 49, Jets 19
This game is often regarded as one of the most memorable in the Patriots’ Thanksgiving history. In a frenzy of scoring, New England found the end zone three times in just under a minute. Brady’s exceptional performance against a struggling Jets defense earned him a spot as one of the game’s standout players, culminating in a celebratory turkey leg moment on the field—a cherished memory for Patriots fans.
A Disappointing Finale
November 24, 2022: Vikings 33, Patriots 26
In the most recent Thanksgiving clash, the Patriots faced off against the Minnesota Vikings in a hard-fought battle that ultimately slipped from their grasp. Despite a strong passing performance from Mac Jones, questionable officiating decisions and critical special teams failures proved detrimental. An overturned touchdown from Hunter Henry and a crucial 97-yard kickoff return by Vikings returner Kene Nwangwu shifted momentum, allowing Minnesota to secure the late victory.
As the Patriots reflect on their Thanksgiving history, they acknowledge the mixed outcomes that have characterized their holiday matchups. This year, the team will take a break from the field, enjoying the festivities while looking ahead to reclaiming their place in the Thanksgiving tradition in the future.
