There are three NFL games on Thanksgiving this year, giving you plenty to watch before, during, and after your holiday meal. Eagle-eyed fans already spotted something very new on the gridiron Thursday, but this was just the start.
What the Patch Chiefs and Lions Represent for Football Fans
What the Patch Chiefs and Lions Represent for Football Fans (Image credit: X/@NFL)
The Chiefs and Lions specifically sported a distinctive black-and-gold patch on their uniforms. For the unversed, the league told teams to include the patch to honor late Hall of Fame coach John Madden this year.
What the Patch Chiefs and Lions Represent for Football Fans
The commemorative badges feature a silhouette of Hall of Fame coach wearing a headset, positioned prominently on the chest of every player across three nationally televised matchups.
From the Lions hosting the Bears in Detroit to the Cowboys welcoming the Giants and the Packers battling the Dolphins under the lights, each squad wore the tribute as part of what the NFL officially calls the “John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.”
The Lions are believed to be wearing their throwback uniforms for Thanksgiving, per @Justin_Rogers
👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/8VgXmhG8b9
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) November 24, 2025
According to reports, he reportedly called 20 Thanksgiving Day games during his broadcasting career. He coached the Oakland Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI before shifting his career. The legendary figure passed away in December 2021 at 85, just weeks after that year’s Thanksgiving games.
Besides the Hershey patch, there are more things to highlight this Thanksgiving. A commemorative coin featuring Madden’s silhouette and a six-legged turducken is tossed before each kickoff. Meanwhile, FOX, CBS, and NBC will celebrate his legacy through their broadcast segments.
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Each network set to select a Madden Player of the Game, with the league donating $10,000 to a youth football program in the winner’s name in tribute to Madden’s passion for developing young players.
Fans Show Appreciation for Lasting Tribute
However, fans sound very possessive about uniforms when Thanksgiving hits the NFL. But this year, they are showering quite positive reactions. Seems like folks love the active Thanksgiving presentation.
One supporter wrote, “Lions FINALLY bring back the proper Thanksgiving uniforms. These are so sweet.”
Another fan claimed, “The John Madden patches are fire, hope they wear them every year. Also glad Detroit is back to their usual Thanksgiving attire.”
So, fans are loving the combination of traditional looks paired with the Madden memorial, and there is no debate on that.
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The patches, coins, and other tributes keep Madden’s presence alive on the holiday he loved, where turkey, family, and football come together for millions of viewers across the country.