Thanksgiving is a day built on traditions, but let’s be honest: two reign supreme—football and food. Sure, the holiday is technically about gratitude, but in reality, it’s about stuffing your face and yelling at the TV. The big question is, which of these iconic Thanksgiving staples deserves the title of Most Valuable Tradition? In one corner, we have the NFL, offering hours of tackles, touchdowns, and refereeing that makes you question their eyesight. In the other corner, we have the feast, a marathon of carbs, gravy, and questionable green bean casseroles. Let the showdown begin.

The Case for Football: America’s Real Pastime

Thanksgiving football has been around since 1934 when George A. Richards, owner of the Detroit Lions, decided that nothing goes better with turkey than tackling. It’s been a staple ever since, providing fans with a full day of gridiron action to distract from the awkwardness of family gatherings. The NFL even added a primetime game to the lineup, ensuring you have an excuse to avoid Uncle Jerry’s political rants well into the evening.

Football’s appeal is simple: it’s universally accessible. Even the relatives who don’t know the difference between a first down and a touchdown can find themselves caught up in the drama. There’s something inherently entertaining about watching grown men crash into each other while wearing uniforms that make them look like futuristic knights. And if your team is playing, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that justifies an extra serving of pie.

Then there’s the nostalgia factor. Thanksgiving football is a time capsule, a tradition that spans generations. Grandpa might have a story about watching the Lions in black-and-white, Dad probably remembers Barry Sanders spinning through defenders, and you’re still traumatized by the Butt Fumble. It’s a tradition that connects families, even as they argue over which quarterback is the most overrated.

The Case Against Football: The Lions and Cowboys Exist

For every fan who loves Thanksgiving football, there’s someone who groans at the mere mention of the Detroit Lions. The NFL’s insistence on making them a Thanksgiving staple feels less like a tradition and more like a bad joke that’s gone on too long. Watching the Lions lose on Thanksgiving is as predictable as Aunt Susan’s Jell-O salad, and it’s not nearly as fun.

The Cowboys don’t escape criticism either. Sure, they’ve had their share of iconic moments, but they also bring a level of divisiveness that can ruin the dinner table vibes. Love them or hate them, the Cowboys have a knack for stirring up drama—and not always the entertaining kind.

And let’s not forget the quality of the games. Thanksgiving matchups aren’t always thrillers, especially when one or both teams are phoning it in. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a blowout while your family debates whether the turkey was too dry. At least the food is always reliable. Speaking of which…

The Case for Food: The True Thanksgiving MVP

If Thanksgiving football has its ups and downs, food is the rock-solid MVP of the day. No one shows up for Thanksgiving and says, “I’m really looking forward to a mediocre turkey.” The meal is the centerpiece of the holiday, a glorious smorgasbord of dishes that require weeks of planning, hours of preparation, and exactly zero punts.

Thanksgiving food isn’t just sustenance; it’s an experience. The turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes swimming in gravy—it’s a lineup that puts any NFL roster to shame. Add in the sides, like buttery rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and casseroles that teeter on the edge of culinary genius, and you’ve got a meal worth tackling yourself for.

And don’t forget dessert. Thanksgiving pies are an art form, with pumpkin and pecan leading the charge. By the time you’re done eating, you’ve not only satisfied your hunger but also created memories that last far longer than the final whistle of a football game.

Food also brings people together in a way that football can’t always manage. Even when the conversation turns to topics you’d rather avoid, there’s a unifying magic in passing the stuffing and debating whether Grandma’s gravy was better last year. Food creates a sense of community, even if it’s just everyone collectively pretending to enjoy the green bean casserole.

The Case Against Food: Too Much of a Good Thing?

As much as we love Thanksgiving food, it’s not without its flaws. For one thing, the preparation can be a logistical nightmare. Coordinating oven space, timing the turkey, and making sure everything stays warm is a challenge worthy of its own reality show. And if you’re hosting, forget about enjoying the games—you’ll be too busy worrying about whether the rolls are burning.

Then there’s the post-meal coma. Thanksgiving food is a double-edged sword: it’s delicious going down, but it can leave you feeling like you’ve been tackled by a defensive line. Trying to enjoy the second half of the football game while fighting the urge to nap is a challenge few can conquer.

Finally, let’s be honest—Thanksgiving food isn’t exactly innovative. It’s the same dishes every year, with little room for creativity. If the NFL ran its playbook like we run our Thanksgiving menus, the games would be even more boring than they already are.

The Verdict: Why Not Both?

Choosing between football and food is like trying to pick a favorite child—it’s impossible, and even considering it feels wrong. Thanksgiving is special because of the way these two traditions complement each other. The food fuels your energy for watching the games, and the games give you an excuse to keep eating well into the evening.

While food might edge out football in terms of universal appeal, football has a way of bringing people together—even if it’s just to complain about the officiating. The truth is, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without either tradition. They’re both MVPs in their own right, and together, they create a holiday experience that’s unmatched.

So this Thanksgiving, as you load up your plate and settle in for the games, remember to be grateful for both traditions. Whether you’re cheering for your team or just waiting for dessert, Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate what we love—on the field and at the table