There are two things that I love in this world, and they are football and a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s who I am, and always will be. Although I am a Green Bay Packers fan and *AHEM* owner (no big deal), I enjoyed last year’s debut from Hallmark blending the world of football and Christmas. Let’s see how many puns and callbacks I can fit into this spoiler-filled review of this years adventure!
The Starting Lineup
Morgan (Holland Roden) is just a Doctor who loves her Buffalo Bills so much so that she is appalled when her first date is with a guy who enjoys soccer and doesn’t care that the Bills are on! Meanwhile, Gabe (Matthew Daddario) is her lifelong friend and neighbor who has the lucky opportunity to lead the building of the new stadium for the team. One night, Morgan’s uncle Tommy (Joe Pantoliano) receives a mysterious gift, as he has for the last 50 years. It turns out that while Tommy was fighting in the Vietnam War, someone had helped his family with money and gifts, never revealing who they were. Morgan’s father had passed away at a young age, leaving her and her mom alone, and Tommy had stepped up, never having a wife or kids of his own. Gabe and Morgan decide they could repay Tommy by finding out who got him the gift and is the secret Santa Claus, all the while reviewing the call on the field of being lifelong friends or something more.
Bills Mafia, Get the Tables
The chemistry that Morgan and Gabe have together throughout this film is much like Josh Allen and his QB Sneaks on the goal line; they just work. As they are searching for the mystery gift giver, they stumble upon some familiar faces. Damar Hamlin may no longer be on the team, but he was there, as were Sean McDermott, Dion Dawkins, DeWayne Carter, and Ray Davis. We also got a surprise acting debut from TE Dawson Knox, and WR Joshua Palmer made his appearance as well! But wait, there were a few extra surprises as NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly returned to sling a game-winning touchdown to Morgan, Scott Norwood, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back Thurman Thomas, and NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Andre Reed. It was great seeing these guys still so much a part of Bills Mafia and really having fun with their roles at the same time. Lastly, NBC News Anchor and member of the Bills Fan Alliance Board, Luke Russert, also made a fun appearance, showcasing truly how close-knit this fan base is.
No 13 Second Heartbreak This Time
All in all, this year’s partnership with a beloved NFL franchise was my favorite of the two. Hallmark was not afraid to dive into the quirky traditions, such as referencing table jumping, and it was a beautiful send-off. to Highmark Stadium. Director Dustin Rikert and writers Vanessa Marano and Danielle Morrow captured the spirit of what makes this Buffalo team so special to its fans. The cast and crew all leaned into the magic, and there is love in the air in only a way Hallmark can capture. Filming in Buffalo and around the area brought the excitement, and I cannot wait to see where Hallmark goes next, although Green Bay has a player named Love and one named Valentine, and Leaping for Love is right there, just saying…
5/5 on the Hallmark Christmas Movie Scale!
You can watch Holiday Touchdown A Bills Lovestory starring Holland Rodan, Matthew Daddario, Patti Muran, Joe Pantoliano, Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, and Steve Shirripa now on Hallmark+!
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