Growing up, Lamar Jackson spent his Thanksgivings cheering for his favorite football team. It just wasn't the Ravens.
"All I know is [that] I was always watching the Cowboys," Jackson said. "That was my favorite team growing up – the Cowboys."
Jackson said he'd rather spend his Thanksgiving eating with his family than playing in the Thursday game. But the two-time MVP will have no problem enjoying something even sweeter than pumpkin pie this year in the form of a sixth straight victory.
The Ravens will host the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night in a pivotal AFC North showdown. With a victory, Baltimore will maintain its strong headwinds after a 1-5 start and maintain control of first place in the division.
Baltimore hasn't played on Thanksgiving since 2013. Despite the short week of preparation, many players are excited for the chance to play on the same national stage they grew up treasuring.
"I just remember eating and then going downstairs and watching [the Detroit Lions] game with my entire family and lying on the ground taking a nap," linebacker Jake Hummel said. "There [are] just good memories like that.
"You always wonder what that would be like to play on Thanksgiving. Well, now, we get to do it."
But just because the Ravens are playing on the holiday doesn't mean they aren't finding ways to celebrate.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace said he'd enjoy a light plate of turkey, candied yams, and macaroni Thursday afternoon before the game. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley's weekly offensive line dinner could have some Thanksgiving flavors on the menu.
"You're not put in these games unless you're on a good team, so it means a lot," Stanley said. "We're very appreciative and fortunate to be playing on Thanksgiving."
The food, of course, will be accompanied by families flocking to town for Thursday's game. Safety Alohi Gilman's little brother and older sister flew all the way from their home state of Hawaii to experience Baltimore for the first time. Mike Green's mom, uncle, and cousins will also be in attendance. After the game, Hummel and his family will spend a day in Washington, D.C. this weekend to celebrate.
"The opportunity to play on Thanksgiving is something to be grateful for," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "It's really an honor to be able to play on Thanksgiving and just to know that everybody's going to be watching."
Harbaugh said he's grateful for how the team has handled adversity this season, stomaching a 1-5 start and getting back into the playoff mix. When the clock nears midnight Thursday, players are hoping some of their stomachs will be full of the signature NBC turkey legs that are given out to the winning team.
"I think our Thanksgiving gifts and meals will be winning on Thursday night," Gilman said.
