Jason Garrett Reveals he Kept Turkey Leg from 1994 Thanksgiving Game Frozen for 15 Years

Former NFL head coach and current NBC Sports analyst Jason Garrett made a startling revelation during a recent appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show,” confessing that he kept a turkey leg from the 1994 Thanksgiving Day game frozen for an astonishing 15 years.

Memories of a Special Moment

Garrett, who played fullback for the Dallas Cowboys at the time, explained that the turkey leg held sentimental value as it commemorated a special Thanksgiving moment. The Cowboys had just defeated the Washington Redskins in a hard-fought game, and the team celebrated with a traditional turkey feast.

During the postgame meal, Garrett decided to save a turkey leg as a memento of the victory. “I put it in a freezer bag and labeled it,” he recalled. “I kept it in my freezer for 15 years, thinking it was a cool thing.”

A Mysterious Thawing

After keeping the turkey leg frozen for over a decade, Garrett eventually decided to thaw it out. “It was a big mistake,” he admitted. “The leg was completely black and smelled horrible. It was not a pleasant experience.”

Garrett’s confession sparked amusement and disbelief among his fellow analysts on the show. Host Rich Eisen joked, “I’m sure the FDA would have some questions about that.” The former coach laughed along but acknowledged that his decision to preserve the turkey leg was “a little bit crazy.”

Culinary Antics

The revelation of Garrett’s frozen turkey leg has drawn comparisons to other unusual culinary habits among NFL players. In 2014, former quarterback Rex Grossman admitted to freezing chicken McNuggets for later consumption. Former running back Marshawn Lynch once said he would eat Skittles with ketchup.

While these food-related anecdotes may seem amusing, they also highlight the unique and often bizarre quirks that can be found in professional sports.

Lessons Learned

Garrett’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to preserve food for extended periods. Food safety experts advise against freezing meat products for more than a few months, as the freezing process does not stop the growth of bacteria and can lead to spoilage.

Garrett’s turkey leg adventure should remind us to enjoy our Thanksgiving meals while they are fresh and to avoid any attempts to extend their shelf life beyond what is recommended.