Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans

Thanksgiving in the NFL is more than just football—it’s a tradition of connection, gratitude, and shared joy between teams and their communities. For the Houston Texans, this holiday has become an opportunity to go beyond the field, hosting a series of events that honor the spirit of Thanksgiving while deepening their bond with fans. From community turkey drives to in-stadium celebrations, the Texans’ Thanksgiving initiatives are designed to give back, bring families together, and remind fans that the team is an integral part of the Houston community. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans captures these heartwarming traditions, exploring how the team turns a national holiday into a chance to show appreciation for its supporters. This article delves into the planning behind the events, the specific activities that bring fans and players together, and the lasting impact these moments have on both the franchise and the Houston area.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans begins with the team’s signature community initiative: the annual “Texans Turkey Drive,” a week-long effort to provide meals to families in need across the Houston area. Months before Thanksgiving, the Texans’ community relations team partners with local food banks—including the Houston Food Bank, the largest in the nation—to identify neighborhoods facing food insecurity. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, players, coaches, and team staff volunteer at collection sites, where fans can drop off turkeys, canned goods, and other non-perishable items. The 2024 turkey drive was the most successful yet: over 5,000 turkeys and 25,000 pounds of food were collected, enough to feed 12,000 families. Players like quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Jonathan Greenard spent hours greeting fans at collection sites, posing for photos and helping load donations into trucks. For many fans, the turkey drive is more than a charity event—it’s a chance to see their favorite players giving back in a meaningful way. As one fan, Maria Gonzalez, put it: “My kids were so excited to meet C.J., but what stuck with them most was seeing him help carry turkeys to a family’s car. That’s the kind of team we’re proud to support.”

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans also includes a special “Thanksgiving Lunch” for local children and seniors, hosted at NRG Stadium the day before the holiday. In 2024, the Texans transformed the stadium’s club level into a festive dining area, decorated with fall centerpieces, string lights, and Texans-themed tablecloths. Over 300 guests—including students from Houston ISD elementary schools and residents from nearby senior centers—were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving meal: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. Players and cheerleaders served food, shared stories, and led activities like arts and crafts (where kids made Thanksgiving cards for military members) and a “turkey trot” mini-game on the stadium’s field. Linebacker Christian Harris, who grew up in Houston, said the event was personal: “My grandma used to take me to community meals when I was a kid, so being able to give back like this means everything. Seeing the kids laugh and the seniors smile—this is what Thanksgiving is all about.” The lunch also included a surprise visit from the Texans’ mascot, Toro, who handed out plush toys and posed for selfies, making the day even more memorable for young fans.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans extends to game day, when the team hosts a “Thanksgiving Game Celebration” for fans attending their annual Thanksgiving weekend matchup. In 2024, the Texans faced the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, November 24, and the stadium was filled with holiday-themed touches: fans received free Texans-branded Thanksgiving aprons as they entered, and the scoreboard played montages of fans sharing what they’re thankful for (submitted via social media in the weeks prior). At halftime, the Texans honored local “Thanksgiving Heroes”—community members who volunteer with food banks, homeless shelters, and youth programs—by inviting them onto the field for a recognition ceremony. The Houston Texans also used the game to raise additional funds for the Houston Food Bank: for every touchdown the team scored, the franchise donated \(10,000 to the food bank (they scored four touchdowns, totaling \)40,000). Even the concession stands got in on the fun, offering limited-time “Texans Thanksgiving Specials” like turkey sandwiches with jalapeño gravy and sweet potato fries. For fan Sarah Johnson, who attended the game with her family, the celebration made the day feel extra special: “We come to Texans games every year, but the Thanksgiving touches made this one unforgettable. My son still talks about getting his apron and seeing the heroes on the field.”

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans also includes a unique “Player-Fan Turkey Bowl” held the week before Thanksgiving, a friendly flag football game that brings players and fans together in a casual, fun setting. In 2024, 20 Texans players—including backup quarterback Case Keenum and tight end Dalton Schultz—teamed up with 20 lucky fans (selected via a social media contest) for a game at the Texans’ training facility. The fans, who submitted essays about why they love the Texans and what Thanksgiving means to them, got to practice with the players beforehand, receive personalized jerseys, and compete in a lighthearted game officiated by Toro. After the game, everyone gathered for a potluck, where players and fans shared homemade Thanksgiving dishes—from Keenum’s mom’s famous cornbread to a fan’s pecan pie. The Houston Texans’ community relations director, Jessica Sims, explained the idea behind the Turkey Bowl: “We wanted to create a moment where fans aren’t just watching players—they’re playing alongside them. It breaks down the barrier and lets everyone connect as people, not just as fans and athletes. The smiles and the laughter here? That’s the magic of this event.” For fan Mike Taylor, who played on Keenum’s team, the experience was a dream come true: “I’ve been a Texans fan since day one, and getting to play football with Case and the guys? I’ll never forget this Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Houston Texans has become more than just a series of activities—it’s a tradition that strengthens the team’s bond with the Houston community and embodies the true meaning of the holiday. Over the years, these events have raised over $500,000 for local food banks, provided meals to over 50,000 families, and created countless memories for fans of all ages. The Houston Texans’ players and staff often cite the Thanksgiving events as some of their favorite moments of the season, as they get to see the impact of their work firsthand. Head coach DeMeco Ryans, who participated in the turkey drive and Thanksgiving lunch in 2024, said: “Football is great, but the real reward is being part of a team that cares about its community. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, and we’re thankful for our fans every day. These events let us show that.” For the Houston community, the Texans’ Thanksgiving traditions are a reminder that the team is more than just a sports franchise—it’s a neighbor that shows up, gives back, and celebrates with them. As the Texans continue these traditions in the years to come, they’ll keep fostering a sense of unity that goes far beyond the gridiron.