Thanksgiving and Cowboys! Their games on Thanksgiving has been a tradition since 1966 and amid the festivities, they have secured 2nd straight win after 5 consecutive losses. And country music’s breakout star Lainey Wilson enchanted the audience with her performance during the halftime show. Meanwhile, Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, had an iconic gift and a special message for her before the game rolled out.

Before hitting the stage, Wilson received a pair of Cowboys Cheerleader boots from Charlotte. Charlotte posted pictures of the iconic kit and called Wilson “a cowgirl with a heart of gold.” The DCC boots are no joke. Crafted by Lucchese in El Paso, the boots are made for performance! “Once you put on the blouse, vest, shorts, and then last but not least, you put on the boots, it really just makes everything like the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader way.” Kleine Powell, a cheerleader said last year. But Charlotte’s gesture wasn’t just about fashion.

“She has such a beautiful heart,” said the Cowboys co-owner while talking about Wilson. Wilson, on the other hand,  mentioned, “It’s an honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff tradition with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys.” Underscoring the importance of the coveted event. The Female Vocalist of the Year’s performance with Jelly Roll, truly set the floor ablaze. And added a new chapter in the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving tradition that began in 1966 when team president Tex Schramm volunteered to host a game.

Over the years, major stars adorned the stage on Thanksgiving. Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Destiny’s Child, and Carrie Underwood, are a few of them. Since 1966, the Cowboys have hosted games on Thanksgiving every year except 1975 and 1977, cementing their place in holiday football history. This year’s matchup against the Giants only added to the legacy.

Cowboys dominate post-halftime to break six-game home losing streak

The Red Kettle Campaign has been a significant event for Dallas. It raised more than $3 billion since 1997. Last year, they helped more than 27 million people. And the Thanksgiving event has brought Dallas some luck it seems. As Wilson signed off, the Cowboys marched forward converting their slow 13-10 to a 27-20 win to break a six-game home losing streak.

DeMarvion set the tone early in the second half, recovering Drew Lock‘s fumble to spark a critical scoring drive. Cooper Rush capitalized with a 2-yard TD pass to Brandin Cooks, marking a turning point in the Cowboys’ rhythm. Dowdle’s 4-yard touchdown run stretched the lead further to 20-10 after the third.

The win highlighted a balanced offensive effort. Rush maintained composure with 195 passing yards. However, this was Dowdle’s breakout game, finishing with 112 yards. His first career 100-yard game. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense was relentless, forcing two turnovers and sacking Giants QB Drew Lock six times. Despite a late push by the Giants, including a touchdown scramble by Lock, Dallas held firm to win the game and improve their tally to 5-7.

However, the fact that they conceded 7 points in the last quarter and couldn’t score any, would be bugging coach McCarthy. Amid the festivities, this victory offers a glimmer of hope for a stronger finish to a challenging season. Paired with Lainey Wilson’s heartfelt halftime performance, the day captured the spirit of perseverance both on and off the field. Together, they did give fans a reason to celebrate.