Remembering the top 5 Cowboys Thanksgiving performances

For the past 56 years, Thanksgivings have been filled with family, feasts, and Dallas Cowboys football. This yearly Thursday game is now as much of an American tradition as the presidential turkey pardon, apple pie, and many other things, and for good reason. Football has clearly become the most popular sport in America, so why shouldn’t be played on an American-specific holiday, and by America’s Team, no less?

Since becoming a mainstay on our televisions nationwide on Thanksgiving Day in 1966, we have seen numerous triumphs, heartbreaks, and happenings from those who have worn the star, but, which players from Cowboys history had the best performances on this special day?

As you’re housing your turkey hangover, let’s go over some of the best Thanksgiving player performances of all time for the Cowboys.

Remembering the top 5 Cowboys Thanksgiving performances

5. Clint Longley, 1974 vs. Washington

Coming into the game versus Washington, then-starting quarterback Roger Staubach was hurt, and the ensuing game on Thanksgiving looked to be a surefire loss. Then came backup quarterback Clint Longley.

After stuttering out the gate in this game, the Cowboys were down 16-3 in the 3rd, when Longley responded by throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns in a come-from-behind victory at Texas Stadium. The Cowboys won this game 24-23, and it was an important game as well, as it held major playoff implications at the time. However, this isn’t the only time you’ll see a backup on this list.