For decades, the Dallas Cowboys have carried the unofficial title of “America’s Team”, a label etched into NFL lore thanks to the team’s dominance in the 1970s and later the ‘90s, and its massive national fan base. But with the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent string of successes, many are beginning to wonder if the crown passed to the Chiefs.

Taking a trip down memory lane with the Cowboys 🤠 pic.twitter.com/WF6TW9NzAs

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 26, 2025

Cowboys vs Chiefs: Who is really America’s Team in 2025?

The 2025 Thanksgiving showdown in Dallas between the Cowboys and Chiefs puts this debate front and center. On one side, the Cowboys have history, boasting three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s and an iconic brand that stretches beyond football. On the other, the Chiefs are enjoying a modern dynasty, capturing three Super Bowls since drafting Patrick Mahomes, making seven straight AFC title games, and consistently ranking among the league’s most-watched teams.

Statistically, the Chiefs’ dominance in the last half-decade is hard to ignore. Patrick Mahomes has three Super Bowl MVPs under his belt, and the team’s offense has set records for scoring efficiency, late-game comebacks, and overall consistency. Meanwhile, the Cowboys haven’t appeared in an NFC Championship game since 1995 and have struggled to consistently make deep playoff runs.

Media coverage and fan engagement also signal a shift. The Chiefs regularly headline national broadcasts and attract massive viewership across key games, while the Cowboys’ TV ratings, though still strong, haven’t matched Kansas City’s pull in recent years. Combine that with Mahomes’ status as a household name and a Texas homecoming for Thanksgiving, and the stage is set for a symbolic passing of the torch.

There's no substitute for winning.

Chiefs vs Cowboys.

With major playoff implications on the line. pic.twitter.com/xD9l7UILcH

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 26, 2025

Of course, the debate is as much cultural as it is statistical. The Cowboys’ brand represents a nostalgic, cross-generational fandom, while the Chiefs’ rise mirrors the modern NFL: fast, flashy, and dominated by a transcendent quarterback. The Thanksgiving game has become a litmus test for which franchise truly holds the title of America’s Team in 2025. We’ll find out on Thursday whether Dallas can reclaim its title or if Kansas City cements its status.