Full Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys to Host Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day 2026
5/12/2026, 2:14:47 AM
Thanksgiving Day Showdown: Cowboys Host Eagles
The NFL confirmed that the Dallas Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox, and the game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This will be the Eagles’ first Thanksgiving appearance since the 2015 loss to Detroit.
Historical Context & Statistics
The rivalry’s Thanksgiving history includes two prior meetings: the 1989 “Bounty Bowl,” a 27-0 Eagles shutout, and the 2014 33-10 Philadelphia victory. Philadelphia’s overall Thanksgiving record is 6-1, the best among teams with multiple appearances, while Dallas is 35-22-1 on the holiday. In the all-time series the Cowboys lead 75-59, and the Eagles have played eight Thanksgiving games versus the Cowboys’ 58 holiday contests.
NFC East Stakes
The 2025 season ended with each team winning one of two meetings, the Eagles taking Week 1 and the Cowboys winning the Week 12 rematch. A Thanksgiving victory could tip the balance in a division race where both clubs are projected as NFC East contenders. The game also offers Dallas a chance to erase its 0-2 Thanksgiving record against Philadelphia.
Official Statements & Responses
The league confirmed the Thanksgiving slot and Fox broadcast. Fox Sports called the contest “one of the most-watched NFL games this season” due to the rivalry and holiday timing. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ryan Fowler posted on X that the Eagles will play in Dallas on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys’ media office said the game completes a three-game 2026 slate that also includes a Week 1 Sunday Night Football clash with the New York Giants and a Week 3 game in Rio de Janeiro versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Criticism & Opposition
The 1989 “Bounty Bowl” controversy resurfaces at Thanksgiving. Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson accused former Eagles coach Buddy Ryan of placing bounties on quarterback Troy Aikman and kicker Luis Zendejas, saying he “has absolutely no respect for the way they played the game.” Ryan denied the allegation, citing film that “show that Small had no intention of hurting Zendejas,” and added, “I resent that.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have absolutely no respect for the way they played the game, I would have said something to Buddy, but he wouldn't stand on the field long enough,” — Jimmy Johnson, former Dallas Cowboys head coach
- “show that Small had no intention of hurting Zendejas.” — Buddy Ryan, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach
- “I resent that,” — Buddy Ryan, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach
- “Source: Eagles will play in Dallas on Thanksgiving,” — Ryan Fowler, NBC Sports Philadelphia
What’s Next
The NFL will publish the full 2026 schedule Thursday at 8 p.m. In addition to the Thanksgiving game, Dallas opens the season on the road against the New York Giants on September 13 (Sunday Night Football) and travels to Brazil for a Week 3 contest versus the Baltimore Ravens. Philadelphia’s complete schedule will be released later that day.
