​We are at Day 67 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, taking a look back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. This countdown will carry us all the way to the opening kickoff of the 2026 season. Our ranking criteria aren’t drawn from a single metric; instead, we weigh multiple factors to determine what makes a game truly iconic. We consider how pivotal the matchup was for the organization, how memorable the moment proved to be, and any unusual events that occurred on the field. We also highlight games that have become part of NFL lore, celebrate Cowboys firsts, and recognize those contests in which the team simply dominated. Variety is the spice of life, and this lineup includes a wide range of Cowboys games to review.
As we reach the bottom of the list, we’ll provide links to every day of the countdown so you can revisit any entries you might have missed. Today, Day 67, we revisit a Thanksgiving win that only improves with time and distance. It’s the Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving home game at Texas Stadium, a showdown that pitted two of the league’s best teams against one another and produced a memory that fans still talk about today.
This was a true heavyweight regular-season clash. The Kansas City Chiefs, a Marty Schottenheimer-coached squad led by Steve Bono, Marcus Allen, and a fierce defense, were aiming for a season that could finish 13-3. Dallas, meanwhile, was in the midst of finishing the final championship push of the 1990s dynasty, powered by Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, and an offensive line capable of controlling the tempo of the game. Dallas sat near the top of the league in scoring, while Kansas City boasted one of the league’s best sack totals and a favorable turnover differential, setting the stage for a battle that would test both teams’ limits.
The Cowboys struck early and often. Emmitt Smith opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and Aikman connected with Irvin for a 33-yard touchdown pass, pushing Dallas ahead 14-0 before Kansas City had even settled into the game. The home crowd’s holiday energy swirled through Texas Stadium, amplifying the significance of a Thanksgiving showdown that felt bigger than your typical regular-season contest.
The Chiefs answered with a steady counterpunch but could only muster field goals in the opening half. Lin Elliott’s kicks from 34 and 37 yards trimmed the deficit to 14-6 at halftime, underscoring a key difference between the teams—that Dallas was finishing drives with touchdowns while Kansas City settled for points. The momentum swing came in the third quarter as Aikman hooked up with Novacek for a 33-yard strike, extending the lead to 21-6. Kansas City fought back in quick fashion, with Bono delivering a 45-yard touchdown to Lake Dawson, but a two-point try failed, leaving Dallas ahead 21-12.
From that point, the Cowboys controlled the proceedings. They added a 20-yard Chris Boniol field goal in the fourth quarter and ultimately sealed a 12-point victory over one of the AFC’s strongest squads. This game belongs on the countdown precisely because it embodies the kind of win championship teams collect: not a blowout, not a playoff game, not a last-second thriller, but a solid, methodical triumph that showcased Dallas’ resilience and execution when it mattered on a national stage.
If you’re looking for the resonance of a classic Cowboys performance—one that reflects the balance of star power, strategic execution, and the festive backdrop of Thanksgiving—this game checks every box. It is a testament to the era’s talent and the franchise’s ability to rise to the occasion against a formidable opponent, and it remains a memorable chapter in the broader saga of Dallas Cowboys football.