The Ultimate Roster: Meet The Cast Of 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story' And Their Surprising Cameos

The collaboration between the Hallmark Channel and the NFL for the 2024 holiday season delivered one of the most talked-about Christmas romantic comedies of the year: *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story*. Premiering on November 30, 2024, this unique film successfully merged the cozy world of Hallmark romance with the high-energy passion of the Kansas City Chiefs fanbase, creating a must-watch event for both Chiefs Kingdom and holiday movie enthusiasts. The film is a refreshing take on the classic holiday formula, centering the love story around the high stakes of a team's "Fan of the Year" competition. This article provides the most up-to-date and complete breakdown of the cast, from the beloved Hallmark leads to the surprising real-life figures who made unforgettable cameos, ensuring you have the full roster of talent behind this groundbreaking movie.

The Starting Lineup: Lead and Key Supporting Cast Biographies

The success of any Hallmark movie rests on the chemistry of its leads, and *Holiday Touchdown* is no exception. Hunter King and Tyler Hynes, two fan favorites, anchor the story, supported by a veteran cast that brings the Higman family's passion for the Kansas City Chiefs to life.

• Hunter King as Alana Higman
• Role: Alana is the dedicated, yet slightly overwhelmed, member of the Higman family, which owns a beloved Chiefs-themed gift and collectibles store in Kansas City. She is the heart of the family's bid to win the coveted Chiefs "Fan of the Year" contest.
• Biography: Born Hunter Haley King on October 19, 1993, in Ventura County, California. King is an accomplished American actress, perhaps best known to audiences for her long-running role as Summer Newman on the CBS daytime soap opera *The Young and the Restless*. She also had a significant role as Adriana Masters on *Hollywood Heights*. Her casting as the lead in this major Hallmark/NFL partnership film marks a significant highlight in her recent career, connecting her with a massive new audience.
• Tyler Hynes as Derrick Taylor
• Role: Derrick is the charming, slightly mysterious character who enters Alana's life, initially as a competitor or obstacle in the Fan of the Year contest. He quickly becomes the romantic foil, a classic Hallmark-style hero who helps Alana find balance between family loyalty and her own dreams.
• Biography: Tyler Hynes, born May 6, 1986, is a prolific Canadian actor, director, producer, and writer. He is one of the most recognizable faces on the Hallmark Channel, having starred in numerous popular movies, earning him a dedicated fanbase. Beyond Hallmark, he is known for his work in the Canadian comedy series *Letterkenny*. His involvement in a high-profile film like *Holiday Touchdown* solidified his status as a leading man in the romantic comedy genre.
• Ed Begley Jr. as Paul Higman
• Role: Alana’s grandfather, Paul Higman, who is deeply invested in the family's legacy and the Chiefs Fan of the Year competition.
• Biography: A highly respected American actor and environmental activist, Ed Begley Jr. brings decades of experience to the role. He is a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominee, known for his work in *St. Elsewhere* and numerous film and TV roles.
• Megyn Price as Leah Higman
• Role: Leah Higman, a central figure in the Higman family dynamic, likely Alana's mother, who helps run the Chiefs-themed fan store.
• Biography: Megyn Price is an American actress known for her roles as Claudia Finnerty in the sitcom *Grounded for Life* and as Audrey Bingham on *Rules of Engagement*.
• Diedrich Bader as Hank Higman
• Role: Hank Higman, another key family member, possibly Alana’s father, whose passion for the Chiefs drives the family's competitive spirit.
• Biography: Diedrich Bader is a well-known actor and voice artist, recognized for his roles as Oswald Lee Harvey in *The Drew Carey Show* and his extensive voice work, including Batman in various animated projects.

The Cameos That Broke the Internet: NFL and Chiefs Kingdom Royalty

What truly sets *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story* apart from typical holiday fare is the unprecedented level of involvement from the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs organization. The film features several high-profile cameos that delighted football fans and created significant buzz, adding immense topical authority to the production.

Donna Kelce and Andy Reid: The Ultimate Fan and Coach Appearances

The most talked-about appearances came from two figures at the center of the Chiefs' recent success and cultural phenomenon: Donna Kelce and Head Coach Andy Reid.

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• Donna Kelce: The Ultimate Football Mom

Donna Kelce, the mother of NFL stars Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs tight end) and Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles center), made her acting debut in the film. Her cameo was a major draw, capitalizing on her immense popularity as a symbol of football family devotion. Her role perfectly aligns with the movie's theme of family and fan loyalty, connecting the fictional Higman family's passion directly to real-life Chiefs Kingdom royalty. The film was produced during a time when the Kelce family was at the height of media attention, making her appearance incredibly timely and relevant.

• Andy Reid: The Head Coach's Hallmark Debut

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid also made an appearance, bringing his signature charm and gravitas to the screen. Reid’s cameo adds a layer of authenticity that is rare in films centered around professional sports. His involvement solidified the film's status as an official tribute to the Chiefs, moving it beyond a simple backdrop to a genuine collaboration with the team's most recognizable and respected figures.

• Kansas City Chiefs Players and Personnel

Beyond the high-profile names, the film features cameos from a handful of other Kansas City Chiefs players and franchise personnel. These smaller, but crucial, appearances help immerse the audience in the world of the Chiefs, showing the team's facilities, the atmosphere of Arrowhead Stadium, and the deep-seated community connection that defines the franchise. The integration of actual team elements, including the team's "Fan of the Year" contest, provides a rich, authentic setting for the romantic story of Alana and Derrick.

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The Chiefs Love Story: Plot, Reviews, and Topical Entities

The plot of *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story* is a delightful blend of holiday cheer, competitive spirit, and classic romantic tropes. The central conflict revolves around Alana Higman and her family's relentless pursuit of the Kansas City Chiefs "Fan of the Year" title. This contest is the driving force that brings Alana into contact with Derrick Taylor, the charming newcomer who may or may not be a rival in the competition.

The movie is a celebration of Kansas City culture and the unwavering loyalty of the Chiefs fanbase. The Higman family's Chiefs-themed gift store and diner serve as the main setting, providing a cozy, local atmosphere that is a hallmark of the Hallmark style. LSI keywords like Chiefs-themed gift store and Kansas City are integral to the film's unique identity, moving the story away from generic holiday settings.

Audience and Critical Reception

Upon its November 30, 2024 premiere, the film garnered significant attention, particularly from the NFL and Chiefs communities. Reviews noted that the movie successfully delivered a cute romantic story, which is the core expectation of the genre. However, some critics observed that the heavy focus on the Chiefs and the Fan of the Year contest sometimes overshadowed the traditional Christmas elements, leading to a feeling that it was "severely lacking in the Christmas spirit department," especially for a Hallmark Christmas movie.

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Despite this, the unique NFL partnership and the authentic representation of Chiefs fandom were widely praised by many viewers, including dedicated Chiefs fans. The film is a significant milestone for the Hallmark Channel, demonstrating a willingness to integrate major sports entities like the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs into its holiday programming, opening the door for future themed collaborations.

The film is a must-watch not just for the engaging performances of Hunter King and Tyler Hynes, but for the novelty of seeing figures like Donna Kelce and Andy Reid in a holiday romantic comedy setting. It stands as a fresh, modern entry into the holiday movie canon, perfectly timed to capture the current cultural zeitgeist around the Chiefs Kingdom.