Cowboys already play every Thanksgiving, and now Christmas is a workday, too
For just the sixth time in the Dallas Cowboys’ 66-year history, the franchise will play on Christmas Day when they make the trip to the nation’s capital — or right outside of it in Landover, Maryland, to be exact — to take on the Washington Commanders.
For a franchise that has already been a staple on Thanksgiving Day since 1966, double-dipping on both major American holidays could be viewed as a burden for a group of players and coaches that already play in more standalone prime-time slots than any team in the league (eight in 2025).
But heading into a game that means absolutely nothing in terms of playoff implications for either team, the Cowboys are looking forward to the opportunity.
“I dreamed of doing this,” wide receiver Ryan Flournoy said. “I grew up watching football on Christmas Day and watching football on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a blessing to play on them days. It’s what I dreamed of.”
The Cowboys aren’t alone. Soon after their game ends on Thursday, the Detroit Lions will kick off against the Minnesota Vikings after their own annual Thanksgiving Day game. In a season that requires a lot of sacrifice, it can be tough on players, especially those with families.
“It’s the first year I’ve got two little young ones that I want to spend the day with,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “It provides a wrench in the plan and the normal way you celebrate Christmas, but this game is the reason Christmas is going to be good. I’ll make sure that I focus in on the game and celebrate Christmas when we get the chance.”
“You make sacrifices for this game,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “When you love what you do and which we all do, you make sacrifices.”
It’s specifically important for Prescott. Aside from it being his first career game on Christmas, he has been insistent on finishing the season despite the team being out of playoff contention.
“Getting the chance to play on Christmas Day for the first time,” he said. “It’s just the fact of being away from our family, and I’m not trying to be away from my family if I’m not going to get to play this game.”
When the game kicks off at noon on Christmas, families around the world will gather around to turn on Netflix to watch the Cowboys — just as they did on Thanksgiving. But even though the players and coaches themselves miss out on those times, there has been nothing but excitement emanating from The Star this week as they prepare for the special event.
“I like the combination of it,” owner Jerry Jones said about playing on both holidays. “Bottom line is, the holiday season and football really fit together in my life, so I do enjoy a Christmas Day game and a Thanksgiving Day game.”
This story was originally published December 24, 2025 at 11:15 AM.
