The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, consistently capture the attention of fans and media alike. With the release of the 2025 NFL schedule, the Cowboys have sparked headlines by securing six prime-time games, making them one of the most prominently featured teams of the season. But what drives this decision to place “America’s Team” in so many high-value broadcast slots? An NFL executive has revealed surprising reasons behind this choice.
The Irresistible Appeal of the Cowboys
According to a report from Clutch Points, an NFL executive highlighted Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons as the key figures making the Cowboys a must-watch for television networks. Dak Prescott, rebounding strongly after a turbulent 2024 season, has solidified his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons, a defensive superstar with game-changing ability, remains a nightmare for opposing offenses. The combination of elite individual talent and the Cowboys’ brand creates a perfect recipe for drawing massive audiences.
Beyond their star power, the Cowboys boast an enormous fanbase that spans across the United States and beyond. Despite a 7-10 record in 2024 and missing the playoffs, their popularity remains unshaken. A clear testament to this is the consistently record-breaking viewership for Cowboys games, particularly during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
History and Tradition: Unignorable Factors
The Cowboys are more than just a football team; they are a cultural cornerstone of the NFL. With a tradition of playing on Thanksgiving since 1966 (with only two exceptions), the Cowboys have become synonymous with the holiday’s football festivities. In 2025, they will uphold this tradition with a highly anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving at 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS. This game is projected to shatter viewership records, with estimates of 45-50 million viewers if it remains competitive until the final moments.
Additionally, the Cowboys will feature in a Christmas Day game against the Washington Commanders at 6:00 p.m. GMT, streamed live on Netflix. As one of only two Christmas games acquired by the platform, this matchup underscores the Cowboys’ significance in attracting audiences to streaming services.
A Grueling Schedule: Opportunity or Challenge?
The Cowboys’ six prime-time games include two Thursday Night Football (TNF) matchups, two Monday Night Football (MNF) games, and two Sunday Night Football (SNF) contests, alongside their holiday appearances. Notably, the Cowboys will make NFL history as the first team to play four Thursday games in a single season, encompassing their two TNF games, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This unprecedented schedule reflects the NFL’s favoritism but also poses significant challenges in terms of stamina and strategy.
Some argue that this demanding schedule could be a disadvantage, especially with tough opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles (in the season opener on September 4) and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, with key roster additions like George Pickens—a star wide receiver recently traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers—and the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy, Cowboys fans are optimistic about a breakout season.
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
The announcement of the Cowboys’ schedule ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, particularly on X. Some fans expressed excitement over the chance to see their team shine in prime time, while others worried that the grueling schedule could hamper performance. A post on X from the account @CuentosVaqueros summarized the Cowboys’ schedule, noting that beyond the six prime-time games, the team has eight exclusive broadcast slots and only one game in cold weather conditions.
Analysts have also weighed in. Many view the NFL’s favoritism as a testament to the Cowboys’ unique status in the league, but they caution that the team must capitalize on these opportunities to prove their worth, especially after a lackluster 2024 season.
Conclusion: Cowboys Remain the Kings of Prime Time
The Cowboys’ allocation of six prime-time games in 2025 stems not only from the star power of players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons but also from the team’s enduring brand and storied history. Despite a challenging schedule, the Cowboys are poised to deliver electrifying performances, reinforcing their position as one of the NFL’s greatest franchises. Can they seize this opportunity to return to glory? Only time will tell.