Do the Dallas Cowboys Always Play on Christmas? Unwrapping the NFL's Holiday Schedule

Hello, football fans! Today, we're diving into a question that's been tickling the curiosity of Dallas Cowboys enthusiasts for years: Do the Dallas Cowboys always play on Christmas? Let's grab some eggnog, get comfortable, and unwrap this festive mystery together. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and do the cowboys always play on christmas.

A Brief History of NFL Games on Christmas

Before we dive into the Cowboys' Christmas history, let's take a step back and look at the NFL's tradition of playing games on Christmas Day. The first NFL game played on Christmas was in 1968, with the Green Bay Packers and the Baltimore Colts taking to the field. Since then, Christmas Day games have become a tradition, with a few exceptions.

The Dallas Cowboys' Christmas Game Streak

Now, let's talk about our favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. The 'Boys have a bit of a Christmas game streak going on. They've played on Christmas Day a total of seven times since 1968. Here's a quick rundown of those games:

1. 1. 1971: The Cowboys faced off against the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) at home in the Cotton Bowl.
2. 2. 1976: Dallas hosted the St. Louis Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) at Texas Stadium.
3. 3. 1992: The Cowboys played the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome in New Orleans.
4. 4. 1993: Dallas hosted the New York Giants at Texas Stadium in a thrilling overtime game.
5. 5. 2006: The Cowboys traveled to play the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
6. 6. 2016: Dallas hosted the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium in a memorable game that ended in a tie.
7. 7. 2020: The Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles at home in a primetime game on Christmas Eve, breaking the tradition of playing on Christmas Day itself.

Why Don't the Cowboys Play on Christmas Every Year?

You might be wondering why the Cowboys don't play on Christmas every year. The answer lies in the NFL's scheduling process. The league releases the regular-season schedule in the spring, and while they do consider past traditions, they also prioritize factors like fan experience, broadcast logistics, and team balance.

Will the Dallas Cowboys Play on Christmas in the Future?

So, do the Dallas Cowboys always play on Christmas? Not necessarily, but they've certainly played their share of holiday games. As for the future, who knows? The NFL loves to surprise us, and with the way things are going, we might just see the Cowboys back on the Christmas Day slate. After all, 'tis the season for football!

Making the Most of Christmas Football

Whether the Cowboys play on Christmas or not, there's no denying that Christmas Day is a fantastic time for football fans. So, gather your family and friends, whip up some hot cocoa, and enjoy the game, even if it's not the Cowboys. After all, every NFL game is a gift on Christmas Day.

And there you have it, folks! A festive deep dive into the Dallas Cowboys' Christmas Day history. Here's to hoping we see the 'Boys back on the gridiron come Christmas Day. Until then, Merry Christmas, and happy holidays from your friends in the football world!