Legendary NFL films voice John Facenda uttered the famous words in 1978: the Dallas Cowboys are “America’s Team.” If there was any hesitancy towards that ringing true today, it was put to rest by historical viewership numbers. The Cowboys’ 31-28 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 57.23 million viewers on CBS, per ESPN – making it the most watched regular-season game in league history.

In fact, they shattered their own record set in 2022, when Dallas played the New York Giants on Fox in 2022 while 42.06 million watched. That’s a 36% increase. It shows how many more eyeballs are on the Cowboys this season. Their Thanksgiving game against the Giants last season pulled in 38.84 million viewers, making this year’s mark a 47% increase. It also bests the regular-season record on CBS itself, which they also set in 2023 on Thanksgiving against the Washington Commanders with 41.76 million.

Here is the full story from Cowboys Roundtable writer Mike Fisher on the infamous moniker and why Dallas has earned being called “America’s Team” – especially this season.

'America's Team' Lives! Cowboys Break TV Record And Shame Nickname Critics Record TV viewership proves the Cowboys' enduring "America's Team" status. ... no matter what critics and rivals claim.

The victory moved the Cowboys to 6-5-1 on the year, and it was a duel for the ages between quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes. Prescott completed 27-of-39 passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Those two scores went to CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, who only caught that one touchdown in the win.

Some years, the nickname feels unearned. Not this year. Dallas is still looking to climb into the playoff picture, and that tie could be the difference maker for better or worse, as they currently sit behind the 7-5 Detroit Lions vying for the last NFC Wild Card spot currently held by the 9-4 San Francisco 49ers. But there’s certainly a chance at catching the 8-4 Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East spot. The Cowboys are 1-1 in that series against the Eagles this season, and only need them to drop two if they win out.