Before the Dallas Cowboys kickoff tomorrow, let's look back at this awesome Thanksgiving tradition.

Since 1966, the Dallas Cowboys have been apart of the NFL's annual Thanksgiving game. Yes, I am aware for a period of time in the mid 1970's, the Dallas Cowboys did not host the game, but after 1977 it has been all Cowboys every year.

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Back in 1989, John Madden gave out the first 'turkey leg' award. It has become known as the Thanksgiving MVP. Which sadly did not go to a Dallas Cowboy, it went to Reggie White on the Eagles. Here are all the times a Dallas Cowboy has won the award.

History of Thanksgiving MVP

Many folks associate the Thanksgiving MVP with John Madden since he gave out the first award in 1989. The award has changed names and networks throughout the years. Here is how confusing it gets.

• Turkey Award (CBS 1989-1993, FOX 1994-2001, CBS 2019-2021)
• CBS All Iron Award (1998-2018)
• FOX Galloping Gobbler Award (2002-2016)
• FOX Game Ball (2017-2018 and 2021)
• FOX WWE Championship Belt (2019-2020)
• John Madden Player of the Game or MVP (All Networks 2022-?)

The Forgotten WWE Thanksgiving MVP Belt

To help promote the WWE brand on FOX, the Thanksgiving MVP was given a championship belt that wrestlers get. This award only lasted two seasons in the league. Mitch Trubisky would win with the Chicago Bears in 2019 and Alex Smith would win with the Washington Football Team in 2020. Sadly, no Dallas Cowboys player ever got to hold the forgotten WWE Thanksgiving Day belt.