The Turkey Bowl is a football game, but hardly an ordinary football game.  It is a flag football game played on Thanksgiving Day morning at 7am.  It was founded by the Ehrhards from Chicago, and as we enter our 10th year, the debauchery is as strong as ever.  The teams are picked by the Turkey Bowl Committee, and there is a Pre-

Game Mixer the Monday before the game for everyone to get acquainted.  The rookies are “tested” to see if they have the mettle of a Turkey Bowler.

The game is played at a rural field, with a bar on the sidelines.  The team that drinks the most beer is automatically awarded a touchdown.  Players arrive in various costumes ready to play and show their Turkey Bowl Spirit.  The introductions of the teams is usually preceded by a singing of the Star Spangled Banner.  Referees are on the field with an instant replay booth to ensure fair play.

the game is a full speed physical match-up and the players take it seriously.  There are two running halves and two first down markers.  There are other rules which keep the game fair and moving along nicely.

After the game, the beers are tallied up, the points awarded, and the winning team is awarded their medals.  The individual awards are then given out, which may vary from year to year.  Best costume, Best Rookie, Game MVP, and the coveted Mr. Turkey Bowl, which comes with a giant trophy.  This is awarded to the individual which encompasses the spirit of the turkey bowl.

Afterword, the players mingle, have a few more cold ones, and then off to their families homes for holiday fun.  Some may wind up in the doghouse, but they will be back.  The spirit of The Turkey lives on.

Check back to this post as others will be adding their views of what the Turkey Bowl means to them.

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Getyou a coldone

Belly