5 Uncontroversial Turkey Day Table Topics

Football and Thanksgiving go together like turkey and gravy or tofurky and green beans. (We’re not here to judge what you’re into). These tidbits about Thanksgiving football traditions are great conversation starters for your table and your family will thank you for not bringing up the current political climate.

From our family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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FIVE OUTSTANDING Thanksgiving Football Traditions

1. While many NFL (National Football League) players complain about having to play in Thursday night football games, playing on Thanksgiving is an honor awarded to few teams. There are only three games on Thanksgiving Thursday. SCHEDULE

2. The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted the most home Thanksgiving Day games in the NFL.

3. They may be in first place but the Jacksonville Jaguars are the only NFL team that has never played on Thanksgiving Day. 

4. Many people around your Thanksgiving table will remember the tradition started by John Madden, former NFL player, coach, broadcaster and video game namesake (Madden NFL).  He started the tradition of awarding the “Turkey Leg” back in 1989. The leg of the turkey was given to the MVP of the game. More than one MVP? Obviously, you need more legs. So, he started "creating" turkeys with more legs. (He took them off of other turkeys – this isn’t Frankenstein people).  

5. Madden is no longer handing out turkey legs but his legacy is still alive as each network has their own turkey game day celebration.  There's an equally as interesting, but not edible, trophy on the line for the teams that play on FOX. The best player in that game walks away with the very attractive “Galloping Gobbler” trophy. 

A little something extra - Want to impress the chef? John Madden also made the turducken famous. 

 

There’s more turkey day talk ahead

The table topics don’t stop here. Read on for the three things the sports world is talking about today. HERE YOU GO

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

Does this week’s social schedule include a networking event, first date or big meeting? Tackle them all with sports. No statistics degree or dictionary required.

Nailed it,

Last Night’s Game Team

PS -  The NBA regular season begins on Tuesday. Stay tuned for a special NBA edition of our Five Things To Know on Wednesday. NBA SEASON SCHEDULE.

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NFL (National Football League)

Must love cheese. In case you’re looking for a career change, the Green Bay Packers are hiring. Their prize quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone yesterday and could miss the rest of the season. Here’s a funny personal ad that went out with the "job description."

College Football

Tough times. It was a rough weekend to be ranked in the top 10 in college football. Your boss might be especially grumpy today if they’re an alum of one of these ranked schools that lost this weekend – Clemson (#2), Washington (#5), Washington State (#8) and Auburn (#10).

 

Overtime

Charlie Morton is starting pitcher for the Houston Astros in tonight’s playoff game vs. the New York Yankees. He would like you to know that he does not own the Morton’s Steakhouse chain, despite what Wikipedia says. PLAYOFF SCHEDULE.

 

Sideline stat

Zero – the number of undefeated teams left in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs lost this weekend.

 

Coaches’ corner

The fall NFL owners’ meetings start tomorrow and while we may receive a ruling on players standing during the national anthem, don’t hold your breath. Making things interesting, Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against league stating they have been colluding against him ever since he took a knee during the anthem in 2016. (He still remains unsigned).

The Rundown: Weekend Preview - Bah Humbug Black Friday

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving, or as it’s known in many households as “the day I swear I’ll never eat again.”

This weekend is full as well – full of college football rivalries. Like a black Friday sale, anything can happen in a rivalry game.

Flat screen TV with every dishwasher? We’re camping out,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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NCAA Football (College)

• Upset the whole apple cart. Normally the Apple Cup doesn't matter. (We say that about it in our diet too). This year’s Washington rivalry series is the first time since 1981 that this game has implications for the national championship. The victor between Washington (#5) and Washington State (#23) will claim the PAC-12 North (Pacific Conference) title and a spot in the PAC-12 championship.  If Washington wins, it could bring them one step closer to a final four playoff berth.
• A gift to you. ESPN College GameDay is heading to Columbus, OH to cover the long-standing hatred between Michigan (#4) and Ohio State (#2). The outcome of this year’s game will have such a significant impact on the college football playoffs that GameDay has been extended from three hours to five hours. The team that loses this game will lose their chance to play for a spot in the national championship.
• Banjo battle. The fierce in-state rivals, Auburn (#11) vs #1 Alabama (#1) will play in the “Iron Bowl” on Saturday. (Yes Auburn is in Alabama). Alabama has already secured a spot in the SEC championship (Southeastern Conference) and has all but a lock on a final four spot in the playoffs, but Auburn would love nothing more than to spoil the party.

NFL (National Football League)

• Round up. While you were eating turkey, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Redskins for their franchise record 10th straight win. Lead by two stellar rookies, Dax Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys remain on fire.

F1 Racing (Formula One)

• Let's go fast. The F1 season will be decided on Sunday during the final race of the season. Teammates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are competing to win the overall Drivers’ Championship. Rosberg sits in first place and Hamilton in second. For Hamilton to win the overall championship, he needs to win and have Rosberg finish outside the top three positions, which is like wishing for a black Friday sale with no pushing or shoving.

Overtime

• The 15th Annual National Dog Show was yesterday and the winner was a greyhound named Gia. The commentary was as flavorful as your pecan pie using lines like “fast on her feet, gentle on the eyes and with a glowing personality to boot” and “she has a head like a snake and can really gallop.” Somewhere the actors from Best in Show are beaming with pride.  

Sideline stat

• 4 minutes 35 seconds. That’s how long it took Aretha Franklin to soulfully belt out the national anthem at the Detroit Lions – Minnesota Vikings game yesterday. Listen and see the funny Twitter reactions here.

Coaches’ corner

• If you’ve ever wondered what Thanksgiving is like over at supermodel Gisele Bündchen and NFL star Tom Brady’s house, we can tell you that it’s probably nothing like yours with nice salads and picking ingredients from the garden. Hopefully all that family and food will fuel Brady as he plays for his 200th career win this weekend.