The NFL has scheduled games on Thanksgiving since the league’s inception. Playing on Thanksgiving is nothing new for the Chicago Bears, who have done it 38 times — the fourth most in the NFL.
Known as the Decatur and then Chicago Staleys for its first two Thanksgiving games, the Bears competed on the November holiday annually for 19 consecutive years from 1920-38. The venue that has hosted the Bears most on Thanksgiving — 11 times — is Wrigley Field.
Here’s a look back at the team’s record on the holiday.
Memorable Thanksgiving game moments for the Bears
Nov. 26, 1925: The Bears and Chicago Cardinals play to a scoreless tie at Wrigley Field before 36,000 people — then the largest crowd in professional football history. It’s also the first professional football game for Red Grange, whose signing from the University of Illinois days earlier is credited with helping legitimize the NFL. The teams face each other on Thanksgiving in 1926 — with the game resulting in another scoreless tie.
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions — a Thanksgiving tradition
Nov. 29, 1934: The defending champion Bears defeat the Lions 19-16 in the first nationally broadcast NFL game on NBC radio.
Nov. 27, 1980: Dave Williams’ 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown — on the first play of overtime — gives the Bears a 23-17 Thanksgiving Day win over Detroit.
Chicago Bears fire Matt Eberflus — the 1st time they’ve dismissed a head coach during a season
Sources: Tribune reporting and archives; NFL; Pro Football Reference; Pro Football Hall of Fame; Sporting News; American Football Database
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