A look into the NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition - the Turducken

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 29, 2024, 21:25 IST

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NFL icon John Madden began a quirky Thanksgiving tradition in 1996 by biting into a Turducken during a live game broadcast. This unique dish, featuring chicken, duck, and turkey, became a beloved NFL staple, continuing to entertain fans each year. Madden's legacy as a coach and commentator remains influential, even after his passing in 2021.

A look into the NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition - the Turducken

Image via Daily Mail

With 2024 wrapping up, NFL players are busy playing impressive performances on the field. Many are away from their families trying to make their teams win and tend out to miss on their family traditions. However, there is one such unique tradition in the NFL during Thanksgiving that is still relevant and continues to make people laugh. A tradition that started in 1996 by John Madden, an NFL legend and how it has evolved over the years. Seasons have passed and decades have changed but this tradition remains etched in the minds of the fans.

The Beginning of History

Back in 1996, Madden made history by taking a bite of Turducken on national television during an intense game between the New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams which was held at the Louisana Superdome.

What is a Turducken?

Turducken is actually not that different from a staple turkey that is eaten on Thanksgiving. It consists of a boneless chicken that has been stuffed into a boneless duck. The boneless duck is then stuffed into a boneless turkey.

The Unique Story Behind the Tradition

A few years ago, while Madden was getting interviewed by the New York Times, Madden finally revealed the interesting story behind how Turducken became a part of the NFL’s history. He revealed that back in 1996 when he was a commentator at the game between the New Orleans Saints and the St. Louis Rams, the PR person for the New Orleans Saints had brought this famous dish to the booth. Since it smelled delicious, Madden decided to take a bite of it while he was live on air - and that’s where the history began. A history that is still continued to this date.

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About John Madden

Born in April 1936, John Madden is considered to be an NFL legend. Madden became a football coach and then transitioned into a sports commentator. As a football coach, he was responsible for winning a Super Bowl championship and still enjoys the title of having the most number of wins for Raiders. In 2021, unfortunately, he passed away due to age related issues.

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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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