In its newest NFL-themed Christmas romance, Hallmark brings the heart of Buffalo to the small screen with Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. Featuring a star-studded cast and cameos from real-life Bills players, the film blends festive charm, football passion, and heartfelt storytelling in a way only Hallmark can deliver.
A new chapter in the Hallmark-NFL Playbook
Hallmark is officially drafting the Buffalo Bills for its 2025 holiday film, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s Kansas City Chiefs-inspired Christmas movie, this latest installment continues Hallmark’s growing tradition of merging the NFL’s devoted fandom with their signature romantic storytelling.
Announced on May 19, the movie is slated to premiere during the network’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas. A lighthearted video released on YouTube introduced the film’s leading cast—Matthew Daddario, Holland Roden, and Tony Danza—playfully tossing a football while dressed in Buffalo Bills gear. It’s a fitting tone-setter for what promises to be a spirited and emotional seasonal celebration.
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Star power on and off the field
The ensemble cast reads like a holiday wish list of seasoned and beloved actors. Matthew Daddario (Shadowhunters) and Holland Roden (Teen Wolf) take center stage as Gabe DeLuca, the Buffalo Bills’ VP of Stadium Development, and Morgan Quinn, a dedicated pediatric doctor. Tony Danza joins as Morgan’s charismatic Uncle Tommy, alongside Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, and Steve Schirripa in key family roles.
According to Hallmark’s official synopsis, the plot centers on two long-connected families whose shared love for the Bills has bonded them through generations. Gabe has quietly carried a torch for Morgan for years, a secret that’s anything but to those around them. When Morgan discovers that an anonymous benefactor has been sending Uncle Tommy Christmas gifts since he was drafted over six decades ago, she’s determined to uncover the gifter’s identity and deliver a holiday he’ll never forget.
Unwrapping romance and community spirit
As Morgan and Gabe investigate this enduring act of kindness, they enlist the help of their loyal “Bills Mafia” friends. The journey not only brings them closer to solving the mystery but also deepens their own relationship. Gabe’s long-standing feelings for Morgan grow stronger, and in the true spirit of Christmas and Hallmark tradition, Morgan begins to see him in a new, more romantic light.
Yet just as Morgan’s plans risk unraveling, Gabe steps in with a grand gesture that turns the tables—and perhaps their future. Leveraging his connections within the Bills organization, he orchestrates a surprise that brings their two families together in a way that embodies the best of Christmas: love, gratitude, and community.
Real Buffalo Bills join the celebration
Adding to the authenticity and excitement, the film features a rare blend of fiction and reality. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott makes an appearance, along with a roster of current players including Damar Hamlin, Ray Davis, Dion Dawkins, Dawson Knox, Reid Ferguson, DeWayne Carter, and Joshua Palmer.
In a heartfelt nod to Bills history, legends Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Steve Tasker, and Scott Norwood will also make cameo appearances, as will longtime play-by-play announcer Chris Brown. Luke Russert will appear in honor of his late father, Tim Russert, a devoted Bills fan and respected broadcast journalist, further deepening the movie’s emotional connection to the Buffalo community.
A team effort in storytelling
Samantha DiPippo, Senior Vice President of Programming at Hallmark Media, emphasized the importance of the casting choices and local engagement in bringing the story to life. “We are so excited to have a stellar ensemble cast that is truly an acting dream team,” she shared in the network’s press release. “The addition of Coach McDermott along with the current Bills players and alumni gives us the winning combination to bring to life this heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family and community—and of course, there’s romance with a touch of Christmas magic.”
This cinematic celebration comes after Damar Hamlin revealed the Bills’ involvement in March, excitedly sharing the news that his team was selected for the 2025 edition of Holiday Touchdown. “We’re so excited to celebrate our team, our fans, and a shout out to Bills Mafia and our shared love of football and Hallmark Christmas movies,” Hamlin said in a social media announcement.
Following a championship-winning debut
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story follows in the footsteps of 2024’s highly successful Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. That project, which spotlighted the Kansas City Chiefs, marked the beginning of Hallmark’s collaboration with the NFL. Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer at Hallmark, praised the partnership, saying, “The incredible success of last year’s partnership with the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs far exceeded our expectations. We are thrilled to team up with the Bills this year for a new holiday movie filled with heart, family and the classic Hallmark storytelling that our fans know and love.”
As the line between sports culture and seasonal sentiment continues to blur in delightful ways, Hallmark’s latest play captures more than touchdowns—it captures hearts.
