Denver Broncos: When was the last time the team played on Thanksgiving? | Sporting News

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The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, which means a time for quality family time, good food, and great memories. But as the legendary John Madden often used to say, "There's just certain things that go together", meaning football and the Thanksgiving holiday. Every year, NFL fans are treated to a slate of games to go with their Thanksgiving feast.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally play every year on the holiday, but in recent years, the NFL has added a third game. The Denver Broncos have played in 11 Thanksgiving day games, going 4-7 in those contests. In fact, only seven teams have played on Thanksgiving more than Denver.



However, it has been 15 years since the Broncos played on Thanksgiving. When was the last time the Broncos played on Thanksgiving? The Broncos last played on Thanksgiving on November 26, 2009, handing the New York Giants a 26-6 defeat at Invesco Field. Both teams entered the game with matching 6-4 records and it was the Broncos that left no doubt as to who the better team was on that night.

The Broncos used the combination of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter to rush 39 times for 139 yards and a touchdown. Matt Prater also kicked four field goals. But the story of the game was the Denver defense.

They sacked Eli Manning three times and forced three turnovers. Denver Broncos Thanksgiving 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 the Broncos had their first Thanksgiving Day game in 1962, the team's current 15-year absence from playing on the holiday is the longest in team history. Only six teams in the league have had a longer wait to play on Thanksgiving.

Broncos fans will have to wait at least one more year before seeing the orange and blue as they enjoy their Thanksgiving feast. MORE BRONCOS CONTENT 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.