The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner and it means a time for quality time with family, good food and great memories. But as the legendary John Madden often said, “There are just certain things that go together,” meaning football and Thanksgiving.

Every year, NFL fans are treated to a variety of games for their Thanksgiving feast. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally play on the holiday every year, but in recent years the NFL has added a third game.

The Denver Broncos have played in 11 Thanksgiving games, posting a 4-7 record in those contests. In fact, only seven teams have played on Thanksgiving more times than Denver. However, it has been 15 years since the Broncos played on Thanksgiving.

When was the last time the Broncos played on Thanksgiving?

The Broncos last played on Thanksgiving on November 26, 2009, handing the New York Giants a 26-6 loss at Invesco Field. Both teams entered the game with an even record of 6-4 and it was the Broncos who left no doubt who was the better team that night.

The Broncos used the combination of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter to rush 39 times for 139 yards and a touchdown. Matt Prater also kicked four field goals.

But the story of the game was Denver’s defense. They sacked Eli Manning three times and forced three turnovers.

Denver Broncos Thanksgiving Story

Since the Broncos played their first Thanksgiving game in 1962, the team’s current 15-year absence from play on the holiday is the longest in team history. Only six teams in the league had to wait longer to compete on Thanksgiving.

Broncos fans will have to wait at least another year before seeing the orange and blue as they enjoy their Thanksgiving feast.

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