Thanksgiving is known for many traditions. These include gathering around the table with family for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy — and of course, washing it all down with a hearty slice of pumpkin pie. You can usually count on someone settling in for a cozy, mid-day couch nap. And as the afternoon goes on, many families around the country will settle in to watch the Dallas Cowboys play a home football game.
The Cowboys have been hosting a home game on Thanksgiving for over 50 years now, beginning the tradition way back in 1966. They’ve regularly featured prominent halftime performers, as well. Seriously, some of the biggest stars in music perform at the blue star-adorned AT&T Stadium in Dallas every November.
The impressive list includes names such as Lee Ann Rimes, Toby Keith, Destiny’s Child, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Daughtry, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Selena Gomez, Pitbull, and Luke Bryan.
But perhaps the most memorable halftime performance in the annals of Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day history came from a group not mentioned above. One that very recently announced a reunion tour, as a matter of fact.
Revisiting the Creed Halftime Show
The year was 2001, and the Dallas Cowboys were playing host to the Denver Broncos. Dallas lost the game by two points, 26-24, after a 21-point fourth-quarter rally fell just short. But the final score is little more than a footnote when anyone discusses memories from that game.
What most recall from that game, decades later, is the electric halftime performance delivered by the popular rock band, Creed. The band was at the very height of its popularity in 2001, and the United States was still recovering from the 9/11 terrorist attacks just two months prior. The emotional, patriotic performance given by Creed was sorely needed and unexpectedly galvanizing.
Lead singer Scott Stapp takes the stage in a custom Cowboys jersey, sporting his own last name on the back. He and the band launch into “Higher,” one of their more popular tracks, as Cowboys cheerleaders begin to perform in synchrony with the band. As the song reaches its crescendo, several acrobats pantomime flying from long strands of fabric — presumably meant to mimic wings.
MORE: 2023 NFL Thanksgiving Game Schedule
The patriotism gets ramped up when Creed pivots to their next track — the equally popular “My Sacrifice.” Several images of rescue workers during the 9/11 tragedy are shown, honoring so many who made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to help others. The brief, but memorable performance, concludes with another popular, somewhat more upbeat, song “Don’t Stop Dancing.”
Then, an impressive fireworks display occurs from the stage on which Stapp is belting, and a seemingly mile-long American flag is superimposed as the backdrop. A choir sways alongside Creed. And finally, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader helps a young girl release a dove into flight to put a bow on things.
There’s a lot going on, and it’s almost definitely better when viewed than it is read. Still, it’s one show that even the harshest of Creed critics would likely admit is a fantastic tribute to the American spirit.
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