The Top 5 NFL Sneaker Moments in Thanksgiving History

NFL games played on Thanksgiving have provided some of the best sneaker moments in history.
The Top 5 NFL Sneaker Moments in Thanksgiving History
The Top 5 NFL Sneaker Moments in Thanksgiving History /

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, giving back, and spending time with loved ones. The fall holiday is also synonymous with NFL games. While the quality of games can be hit or miss, the annual tradition has given us some of the best sneaker moments in history.

Most of the top footwear highlights come from the era of old-school artificial turf that required players to wear sneakers. However, even modern artificial turf has allowed some players to wear impressive cleats for the most part. Be warned, this list is laden with Dallas Cowboys legends.

Top Thanksgiving Sneaker Moments in NFL History

Highlighting the top ten sneaker moments in NFL history.

Deion Sanders

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders warms up before a game in 1996.
Michael C. Hebert-USA TODAY NETWORK

Player: Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders.

Sneaker: Sanders wore the Nike DT '96 throughout the mid-to-late 1990s. In addition to his own signature line, he also wore Air Jordan models.

How to Buy: The Nike DT '96 is scheduled to return in Spring 2024. Until then, fans can support Sanders by purchasing his "Coach Prime" gear on the Nike website.

Emmitt Smith

Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith celebrates a touchdown.
James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith.

Sneaker: Smith wore the Reebok ES22 throughout most of the mid-1990s.

How to Buy: The Reebok ES22 has come storming back this year and is available in two colorways for $180 in adult sizes on the Reebok website.

Randy Moss

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss avoids a Jacksonville Jaguars defender.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss.

Sneaker: Moss wore a mix of Nike, Air Jordan, and Jordan Brand models. Most notably, Moss debuted his signature model, the Jordan Super Freak, in 1999.

How to Buy: The Jordan Super Freak is not available online. While we wait anxiously await a retro release, fans can purchase Moss' Vikings jersey on the Nike website.

Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons runs onto the field.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.

Sneaker: Parons regularly wears Nike Dunk Low cleats, including this black and white colorway, on Thanksgiving Day 2022.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Nike Dunk Low on the Nike website.

Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott runs with the football.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Sneaker: Prescott is the face of Jordan Brand in the NFL, but no one was expecting the Air Jordan 6 in Cowboys colors on Thanksgiving Day 2022.

How to Buy: Presoctt's Jordan 6s will never be released. However, online shoppers can choose between several retro Air Jordan models (including the Air Jordan 6) on the Nike website.

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Emmitt Smith's Reebok Sneakers Drop in Thanksgiving Colorway


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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.