DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Thanksgiving day in the United States is more than just a time to be with family and eat plenty of great food. It is also about watching the NFL! So, in honor of Thanksgiving week, here are the five most memorable Thanksgiving day games!
“The Coin Toss”—1998 Detroit defeats Pittsburgh 19-16 OT
Pittsburgh Steeelers running back Jerome Bettis runs upfield in a 20 to 3 win over the New York Jets on October 8, 2000 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images)
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis said he called heads; the referee heard him say tails. The Lions won in OT, and new coin toss rules were put into effect.
“Randall and Randy”—1998 Minnesota defeats Dallas 46-36
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 6: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings races upfield against the New Orleans Saints in the 2000 NFC Divisional Playoff Game at the Metrodome on January 6, 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Saints 34-16. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
Vikings QB Randall Cunningham threw three TDs of over 50 yards, including two to Future Hall of Famer Randy Moss, to pull out the win. Moss became a household name on Turkey Day.
“The Juice was Loose”—1976 Detroit defeats Buffalo 27-14
Buffalo Bills running back O.J. Simpson, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1985, in 1974. (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
Bills RB O.J. Simpson sets a Thanksgiving Day record rushing for 273 yards and two TDs. Sadly, Simpson is better known for his off-the-field issues than his amazing abilities on the field.
“Matthew and Megatron”—2012 Houston defeats Detroit 34-31
FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 23 : Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions warms up during pregame warm ups prior to playing the New England Patriots in an NFL football game on November 23, 2014 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Johnson played for the Lions from 2007-2015. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
In a heroic losing effort, Lions QB Matthew Stafford throws for 441 passing yards and 2 TDs. His favorite target, Calvin Johnson, has eight catches for 140 yards and a TD.
“The Butt Fumble”—2012 New England defeats New York Jets 49-19
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets fumbles the ball after being sacked by Gerard Warren #92 of the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The infamous butt fumble game that became synonymous with former Jets QB Mark Sanchez.
