The Dallas Cowboys have had their fair share of Thanksgiving Day games. On Thanksgiving, NFL fans can always look forward to watching the Cowboys play while they’re enjoying their food. In 1998, the Cowboys took on the Minnesota Vikings in an exciting Thanksgiving Day game. 

Troy Aikman put together an impressive performance during the game and set a Thanksgiving Day record, despite the Cowboys losing the game. 

Troy Aikman put together a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys

Aikman spent his entire career with the Cowboys. He made his NFL debut in 1989 with the Cowboys. Aikman quickly became one of the top players for the Cowboys and in the league. In his third season, he made his first Pro Bowl. That season he threw for 2,754 yards with 11 touchdowns. During the 1992 and 1993 seasons, Aikman led the Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl titles. The Cowboys were one of the best teams during the 1990s, and Aikman led the way at the quarterback position.

Aikman led the Cowboys to a third Super Bowl title during the 1995 season when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. From 1991 to 1996, Aikman was selected to the Pro Bowl. His best year came during the 1992 season when he threw for 3,445 yards and 23 touchdowns. Aikman was one of the most well-respected players during his career, and in 1997 he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. 

He finished his career throwing for 32,942 yards and 165 yards. Aikman posted a 3-0 record during the Super Bowl and led the Cowboys to eight playoff appearances. In 2006, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Troy Aikman set a record on Thanksgiving Day in 1998

Aikman was in his 10th season with the Cowboys when they took on the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving Day in 1998. The game featured two top teams in the NFL, and it was a high-scoring game at that. It was a Thanksgiving Day matchup for the ages. Aikman set a record for most passing yards on Thanksgiving as he threw for 455 yards on 34 completions. Though Aikman had a big game for passing yards, he only threw for one touchdown.

The Vikings got the best of Aikman and the Cowboys as they won 48-36. Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham had an impressive performance as he threw for 359 yards and four touchdowns. Randy Moss also had a big game for the Vikings as he had three receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Even though Aikman set a record on Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys still suffered a loss.

Troy Aikman still holds the Thanksgiving Day record for most passing yards during a game

It’s been 22 years, and Aikman still has the Thanksgiving Day record for most passing yards in a game. Philip Rivers came close to reaching the record in 2017 when he was playing for the LA Chargers. The Chargers took on the Cowboys, and Rivers put together an impressive performance. Rivers threw for 434 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers defeated the Cowboys 28-6.

There have been many great games and performances on Thanksgiving, and Aikman had a performance to remember. There’s no telling when another quarterback will throw more passing yards than Aikman did on Thanksgiving, but for now, he holds that title.