Many people equate Turkey Day with NFL Thanksgiving football games. In the NFL’s over 100 year history, games have always been played on Thanksgiving Day.
Family, food, and football define the American holiday on the fourth Thursday in November each year.
“Thanksgiving and football. Some things just go together greatly.” – John Madden
(via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/jWB1vidnbZ
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2021
Two of the most unforgetable gaffes during Thanksgiving games have transcended time and are still widely discussed today.
Leon Lett Costs Dallas Cowboys The Win
Thanksgiving 1993
Miami Dolphins vs Dallas Cowboys
I bet you still remember where you were when Leon Lett made Dolphins history. #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/yGFe0Zdxqs
— Big E (@ian693) November 25, 2021
In the 1993 Thanksgiving game in Dallas, the field goal attempt is blocked. While Cowboys players hug in celebration, Leon Lett inexplicably slides on the snow and touches the ball. It is now a fumble recoved by the Dolphins. With three seconds left, the Dolphins kick the winning field goal from the 1 yard line.
Lett was a three-time Super Bowl Champion and two-time Pro Bowler who enjoyed a successful career despite this play.
Gus Frerotte Knocks Himself Out
The Redskins hosted the New York Giants on Thanksgiving 1997.
Redskins QB Gus Frerotte went over the top with his touchdown celebration; headbutting a concrete wall and literally knocking himself out of the game.
@willcolon66 Fun fact about that Gus Frerotte headbutt game…Skins/Giants, game ended in a 7-7 tie hahaba pic.twitter.com/0zki799eba
— Jordan Heller (@IlGattoGrande) April 6, 2018
The Giants late drive tied the game, and it concluded as a tie.
1997: OTD 28 years ago. #NYGiants & Redskins played to an infamous 7-7 tie on SNF. It was most remembered for Gus Frerotte headbutting the wall & knocking himself out. NYG got their TD on @dannykanell to @cabcalloway80 on the tight rope in the back of the end zone pic.twitter.com/DULcbVwHgJ
— BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) November 23, 2025
Will someone top these plays on November 27? Watch the 2025 NFL Thanksgiving lineup beginning at 1 PM with Green Bay vs. Detroit on FOX, 4:30 PM with Kansas City vs. Dallas on CBS, and 8:20 PM with Cincinnati vs. Baltimore on NBC/Peacock.
