NFL Kickoff Recreation historical past and origins of opening night time Thursday soccer – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Price

Thursday Evening Soccer to start the NFL season simply feels proper.
It’s the right appetizer for what’s to come back on Sunday, when followers are totally immersed in a sea of video games from the early afternoon by means of the night time.
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However the NFL didn’t at all times begin off with a weeknight sport to begin the brand new marketing campaign. When did the NFL Kickoff Recreation start? And which groups have probably the most appearances and victories?
Right here is every part you have to know in regards to the historical past of the NFL Kickoff Recreation:
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The primary Kickoff Recreation was held in 2002, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 16-13. The 2025 sport would be the twenty fourth version.
The 2025 Kickoff Game is about for Thursday, Sept. 4, at Lincoln Monetary Discipline when the Tremendous Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys.
Usually, the Kickoff Recreation is a house contest for the defending Tremendous Bowl champion. However that’s not at all times the case.
The primary two years of the occasion didn’t function the reigning champs, with the Giants internet hosting in 2002 and Washington internet hosting in 2003.
From 2004 by means of 2022, the reigning champion hosted the Kickoff Recreation – with two exceptions.
In 2013, the Broncos hosted the defending-champion Ravens on account of a scheduled battle at Baltimore’s house stadium.
In 2019, the Chicago Bears hosted the Inexperienced Bay Packers to have fun the NFL’s a centesimal anniversary with two historic franchises. The defending-champion New England Patriots as a substitute performed on NBC’s Sunday Evening Soccer to start their title protection that yr.
The Kickoff Recreation has been on Thursday in yearly since 2002, apart from 2012.
The defending-champion Giants hosted the Cowboys on Wednesday, Sept. 5, to start the 2012 season, with the sport moved up in the future to keep away from a battle with the last day of the Democratic National Convention.
The start of the Kickoff Recreation coincided with the start of the Patriots’ dynasty, so it’s no shock that New England is tied for probably the most appearances with 4. The Patriots are 3-1 of their appearances, profitable in 2004, 2005 and 2015 earlier than shedding in 2017. All 4 video games had been held at Gillette Stadium.
The Chiefs’ energetic dynasty has introduced them to the Kickoff Recreation 3 times underneath Patrick Mahomes, and as soon as earlier in Andy Reid’s tenure as head coach (once they beat the Patriots on the highway in 2017). Kansas Metropolis is 3-1 all-time in Kickoff Video games, profitable in 2017, 2020 and 2024 however shedding in 2023.
4 different groups have three Kickoff Recreation appearances: the Packers (2-1), Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1), New Orleans Saints (1-2) and Giants (1-2). The Cowboys will make their third look in 2025 after profitable in 2012 and shedding in 2021.
Seven groups have an ideal document in Kickoff Video games: the Denver Broncos (2-0), Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2-0), Philadelphia Eagles (1-0), San Francisco 49ers (1-0), Seattle Seahawks (1-0), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) and Buffalo Payments (1-0).
2002: 49ers 16, Giants 13
2003: Washington 16, Jets 13
2004: Patriots 27, Colts 24
2005: Patriots 30, Raiders 20
2006: Steelers 28, Dolphins 17
2007: Colts 41, Saints 10
2008: Giants 16, Washington 7
2009: Steelers 13, Titans 10 (OT)
2010: Saints 14, Vikings 9
2011: Packers 42, Saints 34
2012: Cowboys 24, Giants 17
2013: Broncos 49, Ravens 27
2014: Seahawks 36, Packers 16
2015: Patriots 28, Steelers 21
2016: Broncos 21, Panthers 20
2017: Chiefs 42, Patriots 27
2018: Eagles 18, Falcons 12
2019: Packers 10, Bears 3
2020: Chiefs 34, Texans 20
2021: Buccaneers 31, Cowboys 29
2022: Payments 31, Rams 10
2023: Lions 21, Chiefs 20
2024: Chiefs 27, Ravens 20
2025: Cowboys vs. Eagles

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