John Madden Thanksgiving celebration honors the legendary coach across all three NFL games today, November 27, 2025. The National Football League continues its fourth annual tribute through special broadcasts, merchandise, and tributes that showcase Madden’s profound impact on the sport. From custom coins to jersey patches, today’s tripleheader celebrates everything the Hall of Famer cherished about Thanksgiving football.
🔥 Quick Facts
- October 11, 2021 was when the NFL announced the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration began in 2022
- All six participating teams (Packers, Lions, Chiefs, Cowboys, Bengals, Ravens) wear Madden patches on jerseys
- Each network selects a Madden Thanksgiving MVP receiving a $10,000 donation to youth football programs
- Madden called 20 Thanksgiving games over two decades with broadcaster Pat Summerall as the voice of the holiday
The Games: Three Networks Honor Football’s Greatest Voice
World Baseball Classic 2026 bracket revealed: which teams advance and when to watch
World Cup 2026: three teams set to inherit Iran’s qualification spot
The Green Bay Packers face the Detroit Lions at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs against the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, featuring a special halftime tribute to Madden’s legacy. All three broadcasts will include network tributes celebrating Madden’s contributions both as a legendary coach and broadcast icon.
Network partners FOX, CBS, and NBC will present interspersed tributes throughout each game on Thanksgiving Day. Westwood One and SiriusXM provide national radio coverage of all three matchups, while the EA SPORTS Madden NFL Cast streams exclusively on Peacock, blending video game elements with live action for an immersive experience featuring the quarterback hi-sky camera view.
Special Tributes and Physical Honors on Display Across Stadiums
Caitlin Clark powers Team USA to dominant win over Senegal in FIBA World Cup qualifier opener
USA moves into WBC quarterfinals after Italy stuns Mexico
Each player at all three games will wear a special Madden patch featuring his silhouette on their jersey. Custom coins will be used for coin tosses, with each game featuring a unique design displaying Madden’s silhouette on one side and a turducken on the other. Ford Field in Detroit, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore will display special stencils and iconic images of Madden from his coaching era.
A special NFL-produced Madden Hallmark will kick off each broadcast, conveying what Thanksgiving meant to the legendary coach in his own words. The Madden Thanksgiving MVP trophy, shaped like a pylon and featuring various “Maddenisms,” will be awarded by each network to recognize exceptional performances honoring Madden’s competitive spirit and dedication to the game.
Charity and Community Impact Through Madden’s Foundation
| Honor Element | Details |
| MVP Donation | $10,000 per network to high school or youth football programs |
| Game-Used Auction | NFL Auction benefits the John Madden Foundation for second consecutive year |
| Family Involvement | Michael Madden (son) joins Good Morning Football on Thanksgiving Day |
| Podcast Special | Sandy Montag (longtime agent) on Lots to Say Podcast discussing Thanksgiving importance |
The John Madden Foundation receives crucial support as the NFL continues auctioning game-used items from all three Thanksgiving Day contests. Youth football remained deeply important to Madden throughout his life, making the $10,000 MVP donations to high school programs a fitting tribute. Michael Madden will appear on Good Morning Football as a special guest on Thanksgiving morning, sharing personal stories about his father’s passion for the holiday.
Madden’s Irreplaceable Legacy: From Coaching to Broadcast Booth
John Madden called 20 Thanksgiving games as the lead analyst for CBS Sports from 1981 to 1993 and later for Fox Sports from 1994 to 2001 alongside legendary broadcaster Pat Summerall. Their partnership defined Thanksgiving football for millions of fans. Madden once famously said, “There’s no place that I would rather be today on Thanksgiving than right here, right now, at a football game.”
The John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration embodies everything the Hall of Famer treasured: family, football, food, tradition, and pure fun. His commanding presence in the booth and animated personality made holiday football appointments unmissable television events. Today’s tributes across all three games ensure that a new generation experiences the joy and passion Madden brought to Thanksgiving Day football.
Why Does the NFL Celebrate John Madden on Thanksgiving?
The John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration began in 2022 as an official way to honor the late icon’s incomparable legacy and indelible impact on professional football. Madden revolutionized sports broadcasting with his infectious enthusiasm, genuine love for the game, and unique ability to connect with fans. His presence behind the microphone made Thanksgiving football a cultural institution that families gathered around every year.
This year’s fourth annual celebration demonstrates the NFL’s continued commitment to preserving Madden’s memory and celebrating his contributions to the sport. From the youngest youth players receiving donations to veteran broadcasters sharing stories, Madden’s influence extends across generations. Today, all six teams, three networks, and millions of fans honor a man who made Thanksgiving synonymous with American football.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official announcement of fourth annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration details
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Verification of Madden’s legacy and tribute elements
- NBC Sports – Coverage of Bengals-Ravens halftime special honoring Madden
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.