SHERMAN, Ill. (WAND) - After a holiday full of eating, the Kienzler family hosted their 40th annual Turkey Bowl football game. 

The tradition started back in 1983, and was made up of only 10 brothers and sisters combined. 

Even though he was only 12 years old, Steve Kienzler still remembers the first game

"My uncle Kevin actually married into the family and had this idea to, you know, work off some of the turkey after thanksgiving. Our first game, we went to a field that was about two blocks away from my grandma's house," said the oldest grandchild of the family."

Since then, the game, and the family only got bigger. 

"When a new baby is born or a new spouse is introduced to the family, they get a jersey top commemorate their official inclusion in the game, said Steven. 

Little Emery Gleason is one of the younger ones in the family, but she's not the smallest. She has a two year old baby sister. 

She says that her favorite thing about the game is getting to see her favorite cousins. And although she wants her team to win, she's just happy to cheer for everyone. 

"Let's go the team," cheers Emery.

A tradition like this brings family together, regardless of where they are from. Something that Julia Kienzler is so grateful for.

"This is the first time I've been back in Springfield for quite a few years, so its been really nice to see how this family has grown and to meet some new cousins. The numbers just keep growing and it is a way to stay connected." 

The winners of the game get the ultimate prize, bragging rights.

They family also selects some MVP of the day. Whoever wins that title will have their name on the MVP traveling trophy. 

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