Watch CBS News

Emma: Bears-Packers Should Be A New Thanksgiving Tradition

By Chris Emma--

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS) -- Rain pelted down from the Green Bay sky on Thursday night. It blew sideways, the cold wind making for miserable conditions at Lambeau Field.

The frozen tundra was covered in mud, like the kind of football one plays in the backyard through the neighborhoods of Chicago or Green Bay. It all seemed so fitting for a Bears-Packers game, like so many battles of the past.

On Thanksgiving night, footballs oldest rivalry was put on a unique stage. The Bears and Packers made for a memorable night, for the diehard and casual fans alike.

The Packers celebrated their rich history, and the Bears savored a stunning 17-13 victory. For fans of both sides, the night was unforgettable. The nation watched as two old rivals met in primetime, the dessert to follow Thanksgiving dinner. Jay Cutler delivered some big throws, Tracy Porter came through in the fourth quarter, and Chicago shut out Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay s in the second half. Upon arriving in the postgame locker room, the Bears let loose with a wild celebration, one fitting to the occasion.

NBC's national broadcast registered the highest such mark for a Thanksgiving primetime game, a 14.6/29 overnight rating. For the powers that be on Park Avenue in New York, an interesting idea could be considered.

How about playing the Bears and Packers every Thanksgiving night and forming a new football tradition?

Ratings aside, wouldn't it be cool to see these two giant brands face off in a unique stage? The Bears and Packers have played 192 games -- Chicago owning a 94-92-6 edge in the series -- with so many legendary names. The league can alternate between Soldier Field and Lambeau Field each year. This game deserves the big moments.

On Thursday, the Packers celebrated the legacy of Brett Favre, bringing out the iconic Bart Starr. There were plenty of tears and goosebumps in the stadium. The Bears could do the same on Thanksgiving night in Chicago, honoring a Gale Sayers or Dick Butkus. Making this game a holiday of its own would be appropriate.

In 1920, the Decatur Staleys -- later known as the Chicago Bears -- played in one of the first Thanksgiving games, a 6-0 win over the Chicago Tigers. The Packers became a part of this holiday tradition in 1923, two years after being founded, as they beat the Hammond Pros, 19-0. The Detroit Lions became a mainstay for Thanksgiving football in 1945, and the Dallas Cowboys joined the fold in 1965.

Why not put the spotlight on this tremendous football tradition? It would add a new, remarkable buzz to this rivalry. The atmosphere at Soldier Field would be electric, just like it was at Lambeau Field on Thursday.

On Thanksgiving each year, families can gather for their Turkey Bowl games in the backyard, share the gravy at dinner and get in front of the television for a battle between two age-old rivals.

Bears-Packers on Thanksgiving would be a special new tradition.

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.