Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders

As Thanksgiving approached, the Las Vegas Raiders didn’t just host community events and team traditions—they captured every heartfelt moment through photos that would go on to showcase the team’s commitment to gratitude, community, and connection. These photos, shared across the Raiders’ official social media accounts and local news outlets, weren’t just snapshots; they were stories frozen in time: a player handing a Thanksgiving basket to a smiling child, teammates sharing a meal and laughter in the locker room, and fans hugging players during a holiday meetup. Together, they painted a vivid picture of how the Raiders celebrate Thanksgiving—not just as a team, but as part of the Las Vegas community. Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders explores the most memorable of these photos, the stories behind them, and how they’ve become a beloved part of the team’s holiday legacy.

One of the most shared Thanksgiving photos from the Raiders this year featured running back Josh Jacobs kneeling down to hand a Thanksgiving basket to 6-year-old Lila Gonzalez, whose family had been selected to receive a meal through the team’s partnership with Three Square Food Bank. In the photo, Lila is grinning from ear to ear, holding a Raiders-themed cookie in one hand and clutching the basket handle with the other, while Jacobs leans in to ask her about her favorite Thanksgiving food. The background of the photo shows rows of stacked baskets, volunteers in Raiders gear, and Allegiant Stadium’s iconic facade—context that tells the full story of the team’s annual food drive. “That photo really captures what this event is all about,” said Jessica Mendoza, the Raiders’ director of community relations. “It’s not just about giving away food—it’s about connecting with families and making them feel seen. Lila’s smile says it all.” The photo was shared over 12,000 times on Instagram, with fans commenting things like “This is why I love the Raiders” and “Josh has such a big heart.” Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that this photo became a symbol of the team’s community work, showing that Thanksgiving generosity is about more than donations—it’s about human connection.

Another standout Thanksgiving photo came from the Raiders’ “Team Thanksgiving Meal,” a tradition where players, coaches, and staff gather in the Allegiant Stadium locker room the day before the holiday to share a home-cooked meal. The photo features head coach Josh McDaniels sitting at a table with quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer, all laughing as McDaniels holds up a plate of his famous apple pie (a recipe passed down from his grandmother). Surrounding them, other players are piled into booths, passing dishes of mashed potatoes and gravy, and taking selfies with teammates. What makes the photo special is its casual, unscripted vibe—no uniforms, no playbooks, just a group of people enjoying each other’s company. “We spend so much time together during the season, but it’s rare we get to just hang out like this,” Garoppolo said when the photo was posted. “This meal reminds us that we’re more than a team—we’re family.” The photo resonated with fans who rarely get to see the “off-the-field” side of the Raiders, earning over 8,000 likes on Twitter and sparking conversations about team culture. Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that this photo showcased a different side of the Raiders—one that’s warm, relatable, and focused on gratitude for the people around them.

A third memorable Thanksgiving photo highlighted the Las Vegas Raiders’ partnership with the USO, where players visited Nellis Air Force Base to deliver Thanksgiving baskets to military families and pose for photos with service members. The photo features defensive end Chandler Jones standing with a military family of five—parents Sarah and Mike, and their three kids—all wearing matching Raiders hats, as Jones hands Mike a basket filled with turkeys and fixings. Behind them, other players are playing catch with kids on the base’s lawn, and a group of service members is holding up a “Raider Nation” sign. The photo’s caption read: “Grateful for those who serve—thank you for protecting our freedom this Thanksgiving.” The Las Vegas Raiders have a long history of supporting the military, but this photo put a personal face on that support, showing players connecting directly with the families who sacrifice so much. “Visiting Nellis is one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions,” Jones said. “These families don’t always get to be together for the holiday, so if we can make their day a little brighter, that’s the least we can do.” The photo was shared by the USO’s national account, expanding its reach beyond Raiders fans and earning praise from military communities across the country. Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ USO photo wasn’t just a holiday post—it was a tribute to service, and a reminder of the team’s commitment to honoring those who defend the nation.

A fourth Thanksgiving photo captured a sweet moment between the Las Vegas Raiders’ cheerleading squad and residents at a local senior center, where the cheerleaders hosted a “Thanksgiving Tea” for elderly community members who might otherwise be alone for the holiday. The photo features cheerleader Mia Carter sitting next to 82-year-old Rose Martinez, helping her decorate a Thanksgiving cookie while Rose tells a story about her childhood holidays. Other cheerleaders are in the background, singing holiday songs and serving hot cocoa, and the room is decorated with paper turkeys and Raiders streamers. The photo’s warm lighting and Rose’s smile made it a fan favorite, with many commenting that it “brought tears to my eyes.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ cheerleading squad has been visiting the senior center for five years, but this year’s photo stood out because it captured the intimacy of the moment—no cameras, no fanfare, just two people sharing a conversation. “Rose told me about how she used to bake pies with her mom for Thanksgiving,” Carter said. “It was such a special moment—I’ll remember it forever.” The photo was later framed and hung in the senior center’s lobby, a permanent reminder of the Raiders’ visit. Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ cheerleading squad photo highlighted the team’s commitment to all members of the community—young and old, military and civilian—ensuring no one feels left out during the holidays.

The final Thanksgiving photo to gain attention was a group shot taken at the end of the Raiders’ community food drive, featuring over 50 players, coaches, volunteers, and families all gathered in front of Allegiant Stadium, holding up signs that said “Thank You, Las Vegas.” The photo was taken as the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the scene, and everyone in the photo is smiling—some with their arms around each other, others holding up Thanksgiving baskets. The Las Vegas Raiders’ social media team added a caption that read: “This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for Raider Nation—thank you for letting us be part of your community.” The photo became the team’s most shared Thanksgiving post, with over 15,000 shares on Facebook and comments from fans around the world. For the Raiders, the photo wasn’t just a way to wrap up their holiday events—it was a way to say thank you to the city that supports them. “Las Vegas has embraced us since day one,” general manager Dave Ziegler said. “These events, and these photos, are our way of giving back that love.” Thanksgiving Photos Showcase Events of the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ group photo was more than a snapshot—it was a celebration of gratitude, community, and the bond between a team and its city. Together, all these Thanksgiving photos told a story of a team that doesn’t just play football—they show up, give back, and make sure everyone in Las Vegas feels like part of the Raider Nation family during the holidays.