7 Shocking Details And Star-Studded Cameos In Hallmark’s ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’

The convergence of professional football and festive romance hit an all-time high in 2024 with the debut of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. This highly anticipated Hallmark Christmas movie, which premiered on November 30, 2024, is not just another cozy holiday flick; it’s a groundbreaking collaboration between Hallmark Media, the NFL, Skydance Sports, and the World Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The film successfully blends the passionate world of the Chiefs Kingdom with the classic charm of a holiday rom-com, making it an instant favorite for both football fanatics and Christmas movie enthusiasts. As of December 2025, the movie continues to be a staple in the holiday viewing rotation, with a DVD release slated for October 2025, ensuring its place as a perennial favorite.

The movie’s success stems from its authentic setting in Kansas City and its ability to capture the multi-generational devotion of a Chiefs superfan family, the Higmans. From the iconic Arrowhead Stadium to the local Chiefs fan store and diner, the film is steeped in the team's culture. Starring Hallmark favorite Tyler Hynes and the talented Hunter King, the story follows Alana Higman’s quest to win the coveted Fan of the Year contest and the unexpected romance that blossoms when she meets Derrick Taylor, a charming new face in town. Here is a deep dive into the cast, the plot’s hidden gems, and the seven most talked-about elements of this unique cinematic event.

Meet the Star-Studded Cast of the Chiefs Kingdom Romance

The success of any Hallmark movie relies heavily on the chemistry of its lead actors, and Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story delivered with a talented ensemble. The core cast brought the Higman family and the central romantic couple, Alana and Derrick, to life, grounding the story in relatable fan passion and holiday spirit. The film was directed by John Putch, a veteran of Christmas television films.

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• Hunter King as Alana Higman: The Chiefs superfan and protagonist whose family runs a local fan store and diner. Alana is driven to win the Fan of the Year contest to honor her family’s legacy. King is known for her roles in The Santa Summit and various soap operas.
• Tyler Hynes as Derrick Taylor: The charming newcomer to Kansas City who becomes Alana’s love interest. Hynes is a beloved Hallmark star, often referred to as a "Hallmark Hunk," known for films like Three Wise Men and a Baby.
• Ed Begley Jr. as Paul Higman: Alana’s grandfather, the patriarch of the Higman family, and a key figure in the family’s Chiefs devotion. Begley Jr. is an acclaimed actor with a long career in film and television.
• Megyn Price as Leah Higman: Alana’s mother, who helps run the family businesses and supports the Fan of the Year campaign.
• Diedrich Bader as Hank Higman: Alana’s fun-loving father, a passionate and enthusiastic Kansas City Chiefs fan. Bader is widely recognized for his voice work and roles in sitcoms.
• Mary Beth McDonough: Plays a supporting role, adding to the ensemble of familiar faces.
• Christine Ebersole: A Tony Award-winning actress who also features in the supporting cast.

The 7 Biggest Takeaways and Secrets Behind the Chiefs Hallmark Movie

This film is a treasure trove of unique details that set it apart from the typical "Countdown to Christmas" fare. From its NFL partnership to its real-life celebrity inspiration, these are the most interesting facts about Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

1. The Unprecedented Hallmark-NFL Partnership

The collaboration between Hallmark Media, the National Football League (NFL), and the Kansas City Chiefs is the first of its kind. This partnership allowed for an authentic portrayal of the "Chiefs Kingdom" experience, including filming inside the iconic Arrowhead Stadium and using official team branding and colors. The movie’s genesis was a Chiefs playoff hype video, "Falling for Football," starring Tyler Hynes and Janel Parrish, which paved the way for the full-length feature.

2. The Real-Life Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Inspiration

While the plot is a fictional romantic comedy, multiple sources confirm that the film was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance. The global media attention on the relationship between the pop superstar and the Chiefs tight end highlighted the blend of celebrity, romance, and the NFL, creating a perfect cultural moment for a Chiefs-themed love story. This real-world buzz provided the ideal backdrop for the movie's creation.

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3. Star-Powered Chiefs Cameos

One of the movie’s biggest draws was the appearance of real-life Chiefs legends and figures. Fans were thrilled to see World Champion Head Coach Andy Reid make a cameo, alongside Chiefs matriarch Donna Kelce (mother of Travis and Jason Kelce). Other notable appearances included former Chiefs running back Christian Okoye (The Nigerian Nightmare) and wide receiver Mecole Hardman. These cameos provided a level of authenticity and excitement rarely seen in a Hallmark production, solidifying the movie's connection to the team.

4. Authentic Filming Locations in Kansas City

Unlike many holiday films that rely on generic sets, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story was filmed entirely around Kansas City during the summer of 2024. This commitment to location shooting allowed the production to capture the true spirit of the city, from local businesses that serve as the Higman family’s diner and fan store to the grandeur of Arrowhead Stadium. This focus on local detail was a deliberate attempt to honor the dedicated Chiefs Kingdom fanbase.

5. The Central Plot: The Fan of the Year Contest

The main romantic plot is framed by the high-stakes competition to win the Chiefs' "Fan of the Year" award. Alana Higman's family, with their multi-generational history of devotion, is fiercely competing for the title. The contest serves as both a source of family drama and the catalyst for Alana's relationship with Derrick, the charming new sports reporter who is initially a distraction but ultimately becomes her biggest supporter. This storyline highlights the deep, emotional connection fans have to their team.

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6. The DVD Release Date is Set for Next Year

For those who missed the 2024 premiere or want to make it a permanent addition to their holiday movie collection, the DVD release is scheduled for October 28, 2025. This late-2025 release date ensures that the movie will be available just in time for the 2025 holiday season, reaffirming its status as a highly anticipated and rewatchable Christmas rom-com.

7. A Potential New Franchise: The Bills Love Story

The success of the Chiefs-focused film has already sparked speculation about future installments. Reports indicate that a follow-up, tentatively titled Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, is being considered. This suggests that the Hallmark-NFL partnership could evolve into a new holiday movie franchise, rotating the focus to other NFL teams and their passionate fanbases, further cementing the blend of football and holiday romance in the television landscape.

Why This Movie Resonated with Chiefs Kingdom and Hallmark Fans

The film’s appeal is twofold. For the Chiefs Kingdom, it was a validation of their culture and a chance to see their team celebrated on a national, non-sports platform. The inclusion of real players, coaches, and the authentic Kansas City setting made it feel like a genuine tribute. The movie successfully captured the excitement of a Chiefs game day and the community spirit of the fans.

For traditional Hallmark viewers, the movie delivered the familiar tropes they love: a charming small-town setting (Kansas City), a driven female lead, a handsome male love interest, and the magic of Christmas. The football element, while new, was woven into the plot as a source of family tradition and passion, rather than a dry sports documentary. The chemistry between Hunter King and Tyler Hynes, a fan-favorite Hallmark star, was the perfect anchor for the romantic storyline, ensuring the film satisfied the core audience’s need for a heartwarming holiday ending. The result is a unique, fresh, and highly successful entry into the holiday movie canon that has set a new standard for sports-themed Christmas features.