The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and for many, it’s a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and cherished memories. But for NFL fans, it’s also a time when football takes center stage. As the legendary John Madden famously said, "There’s just certain things that go together," and nothing pairs better with turkey than a good game of football.
Every year, the NFL treats fans to a lineup of games that perfectly complements the Thanksgiving festivities. Traditionally, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have been the main attractions, playing on this special day without fail. In recent years, the league has even added a third game to the mix, making Thanksgiving a true football extravaganza.
Denver Broncos Thanksgiving history
The Denver Broncos have a storied history when it comes to Thanksgiving Day games. Since their first appearance in 1962, they have played in 11 Thanksgiving contests, boasting a record of 4 wins and 7 losses. While this may not be the most impressive record, it’s worth noting that only seven teams have played more games on this holiday than the Broncos. However, it’s been a staggering 15 years since Denver last took the field on Thanksgiving.
When was the last time the Broncos played on Thanksgiving?
The Broncos’ last Thanksgiving Day game was on November 26, 2009, when they faced off against the New York Giants. The Broncos emerged victorious, winning 26-6 at Invesco Field. Both teams entered the matchup with matching 6-4 records, but it was clear from the start that the Broncos were the superior team that night.
The game showcased a powerful rushing attack, with Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter combining for 39 carries, 139 yards, and a touchdown. Kicker Matt Prater also played a crucial role, nailing four field goals to help secure the win. However, the true stars of the game were the Broncos’ defense, which sacked Eli Manning three times and forced three turnovers, leaving no doubt about their dominance.
The Broncos’ Thanksgiving game results
Curious about how the Broncos have fared on this holiday in the past? Here’s a quick look at their Thanksgiving game history:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| November 22, 1962 | New York Titans | Loss, 46-45 |
| November 28, 1963 | Oakland Raiders | Loss, 26-10 |
| November 23, 1967 | San Diego Chargers | Loss, 24-20 |
| November 27, 1969 | Kansas City Chiefs | Loss, 31-17 |
| November 22, 1973 | Detroit Lions | Win, 31-27 |
| November 23, 1978 | Detroit Lions | Loss, 17-14 |
| November 22, 1990 | Detroit Lions | Loss, 40-27 |
| November 22, 2001 | Dallas Cowboys | Win, 26-24 |
| November 24, 2005 | Dallas Cowboys | Win, 24-21 (OT) |
| November 23, 2006 | Kansas City Chiefs | Loss, 19-10 |
| November 26, 2009 | New York Giants | Win, 26-6 |
Since that memorable game in 2009, the Broncos have been absent from the Thanksgiving lineup, marking the longest gap in their history. In fact, only six teams in the NFL have waited longer to play on this festive day. It’s a surprising drought for a team with such a rich football tradition.
What’s next for Broncos fans?
As fans gear up for another Thanksgiving, they’ll have to wait at least one more year to see the orange and blue don their uniforms on this holiday. The anticipation continues to build, as Broncos supporters hope for a return to the Thanksgiving stage in the near future.
In the meantime, there’s plenty to keep fans engaged. The Broncos are making headlines in other ways, with discussions about potential roster moves and upcoming draft picks.
More Broncos content
Here are some exciting topics for Broncos fans to explore:
- NFL Power Rankings: Denver Broncos have reached unchartered territory
- Broncos appear ready to add fresh new weapon to one of league’s best defenses
- Former Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich quickly finds a new team
- 4 tight ends Denver Broncos should strongly consider taking in 2025 NFL Draft
- Bo Nix makes more history, breaks record that dates back to the 1960s
As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of football fills the air. While the Broncos may not be playing this year, the love for the game and the excitement of the NFL season continue to thrive. Here’s to hoping that next year, the Broncos will once again grace our Thanksgiving tables with their presence!
