Every Thanksgiving in the United States, millions of viewers from across the nation tune into the various NFL games on show while enjoying a lovely cut of turkey and all the trimmings.
In this year's offering, the Buffalo Bills take on the Detroit Lions first, which will be followed by the Dallas Cowboys who face the New York Giants before the day is wrapped up with a clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots. But just because six sides are in action, doesn't mean that they'll miss out on the food.
The MVP of each game will be awarded a turkey leg for their efforts in spirit of the holiday, a tradition that has been in place since 1989. The legendary John Madden came up with the trend, and it's become a huge part of the festive NFL showcase ever since.
Back in 1989, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Cowboys 27-0 during the Thanksgiving game, and Madden suggested that the MVP should receive something slightly different than the regular post-match trophy. While commentating on the match, Madden suggested that the MVP deserves a turkey leg as the reward.
And just like that, the first Thanksgiving treat was given out as Eagles line-backer Reggie White was the first-ever recipient of the turkey leg award. While led the Philadelphia defence to a 27-0 shutout, and this trend has continued ever since.
But the next year, Madden escalated things even further as after handing out a turkey leg to Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, he wished he could hand out five more, one to each offensive lineman. The Cowboys won 27-17 against the formerly known Washington Redskins, now the Commanders, and Madden's request was later granted.
Joe Pat Fieseler, the owner of Harvey's Barbecue Pit, decided to create a six-legged turkey following this, which of course is not a crazy mutation that people are in the dark about. Two legs were natural, while four were added with skewers for effect.
The tradition has evolved over the years, but even in 2022 the MVP players from Thanksgiving's prime-time game can expect a hefty amount of turkey. And although Madden may not be physically there this year, he will be honoured as part of the celebrations.
"Beginning this year, the National Football League honours Madden with the ‘John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration,’ a yearly, multi-faceted celebration of the late great icon’s indelible legacy," the NFL said in a press release. All broadcasters will be doing their own tribute, while 'John Madden Thanksgiving' stickers will be on player helmets.
