The Full Lineup: Every Star And Chiefs Kingdom Cameo In 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story'

The highly anticipated collaboration between Hallmark Channel and the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, has officially premiered, capturing the hearts of both rom-com aficionados and die-hard football fans. This unique holiday film, which debuted on November 30, 2024, is not just another festive romance; it’s a deep dive into the multi-generational passion of Chiefs Kingdom, filmed on location in and around Kansas City. The movie successfully blends the classic Hallmark formula—a small-town girl, a charming stranger, and a race against time—with the electrifying spirit of professional football, making its cast a fascinating mix of beloved Hallmark regulars, veteran Hollywood actors, and surprising appearances from Chiefs legends and personalities.

The success of this fresh take on the Christmas movie formula hinges entirely on its talented ensemble, led by two of the network's most popular stars. The film follows Alana Higman, a lifelong Chiefs superfan whose family is competing to win the coveted Fan of the Year Award, and Derrick Taylor, the attractive director of fan engagement who comes into her life. This article breaks down the full, star-studded roster, from the lead actors to the surprising, fan-favorite cameos that cement the film's topical authority and unique appeal.

The Star Quarterbacks: Lead Cast Biographies and Character Profiles

The romantic chemistry at the heart of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story is driven by two actors known for their strong Hallmark presence and diverse career backgrounds. Their on-screen dynamic brings the story of Alana and Derrick to life, grounding the festive chaos in genuine emotion.

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Hunter King as Alana Higman

• Full Name: Hunter Haley King
• Date of Birth: October 20, 1993
• Place of Birth: Ventura County, California, U.S.
• Best Known For: Portraying Summer Newman on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, for which she won two Daytime Emmy Awards. She also starred as Clementine Hughes on the CBS sitcom Life in Pieces.
• Character Profile: Alana is the heart of the Chiefs-obsessed Higman family. Her entire life revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs, and she’s determined to help her family win the Fan of the Year contest, a tradition passed down through generations. She is initially at odds with Derrick, the man who holds the key to the competition, before a holiday romance blossoms.

Tyler Hynes as Derrick Taylor

• Full Name: Tyler Jeffrey Hynes
• Date of Birth: May 6, 1986
• Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Best Known For: Tyler Hynes is one of Hallmark Channel’s most prolific and beloved leading men, often starring in multiple holiday films each season. He is also an accomplished director, producer, and writer, with early career roles in series like Flashpoint and The Last Sign.
• Character Profile: Derrick is the Chiefs’ Director of Fan Engagement. He is professional, focused, and initially skeptical of the Higman family's over-the-top antics. His job is to manage the Fan of the Year contest, but his growing connection with Alana forces him to balance his professional duties with his personal feelings, embodying the classic "opposites attract" holiday trope.

The Higman Family: Supporting Cast and Veteran Talent

A Hallmark Christmas movie is only as good as its supporting ensemble, and the Higman family is packed with recognizable veteran actors who bring warmth, humor, and a deep sense of tradition to the story. They represent the multi-generational fandom that makes Chiefs Kingdom so unique, providing the perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt family drama.

Ed Begley Jr. as Paul Higman (The Patriarch)

Ed Begley Jr., a highly respected actor with a career spanning decades in films like St. Elsewhere and Arrested Development, plays Paul Higman. Paul is the wise and endearing patriarch of the Chiefs-loving family, whose deep-seated passion for the team drives the entire family's quest for the coveted Fan of the Year title. His role anchors the film's themes of legacy and tradition.

Megyn Price as Leah Higman (The Matriarch)

Known for her roles in shows like Rules of Engagement and The Ranch, Megyn Price portrays Leah Higman. Leah is the enthusiastic and fun-loving matriarch, keeping the family's competitive spirit high while navigating the holiday season. Her performance adds a layer of relatable, festive chaos to the Higman household.

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Diedrich Bader as Hank Higman (Alana's Father)

Diedrich Bader, instantly recognizable from his work in The Drew Carey Show and as the voice of Batman in various animated series, steps into the role of Hank Higman, Alana’s father. Hank is a passionate, slightly overzealous Chiefs fan whose devotion to the team is both a source of pride and a challenge for his daughter. His comedic timing is a highlight of the family dynamic.

The Ultimate Cameos: Chiefs Kingdom Legends and Personalities

What truly sets Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story apart from other Hallmark films is its unprecedented integration with the NFL, specifically the Kansas City Chiefs. This partnership resulted in several surprising and highly anticipated cameos, which serve as a massive draw for football fans and solidify the film's authenticity and topical authority. These appearances were a major talking point upon the movie's premiere.

Donna Kelce

Perhaps the most talked-about cameo is from Donna Kelce, the mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Eagles center Jason Kelce. Donna Kelce has become a celebrity in her own right, particularly following her sons' Super Bowl appearance. Her appearance in the film is a nod to the widespread cultural phenomenon surrounding the Chiefs and the Kelce family, adding a layer of real-world star power to the holiday movie.

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Christian Okoye (The Nigerian Nightmare)

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye, famously known as "The Nigerian Nightmare," also makes an appearance. Okoye is a legendary figure in Chiefs history, and his cameo is a treat for long-time fans, connecting the fictional story directly to the team's rich past.

Trent Green

Former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, who was a Pro Bowler and a key figure for the team in the early 2000s, is another notable Chiefs figure to appear in the movie. His participation further authenticates the film's setting and its commitment to celebrating Chiefs history.

Topical Authority and Key Entities in the Chiefs Love Story

The production of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story was a major undertaking, involving a unique partnership that elevated the film's topical authority far beyond a typical holiday romance. The use of specific, real-world elements and entities makes the story feel fresh, unique, and highly relevant to the Kansas City community and the greater NFL fan base.

The Partnership and Production

The film is a collaborative effort between Hallmark Media, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports. This triumvirate of production companies—a first for the Hallmark Channel—ensured the football elements were handled with authenticity, rather than simply being a backdrop. The involvement of NFL Films, in particular, guaranteed that the Chiefs' brand, history, and stadium were accurately and reverently portrayed.

Filming Locations and Atmosphere

Unlike many holiday movies filmed on soundstages, this production was shot on location in the Kansas City area. This commitment to local authenticity allowed the filmmakers to capture the genuine atmosphere of Chiefs Kingdom, including potential glimpses of the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, which is central to the Higman family's fandom. The local setting adds a vibrant, unique texture to the film.

Key LSI Keywords and Entities

To fully grasp the depth of this production, it’s essential to recognize the key entities that form its narrative backbone. These include:

• Kansas City Chiefs: The central pillar of the entire story.
• Countdown to Christmas: Hallmark Channel's annual programming event where the movie premiered.
• Fan of the Year Award: The central conflict driver for the Higman family.
• Derrick Taylor (Director of Fan Engagement): The specific, real-world-adjacent role of the male lead.
• Julie Sherman Wolfe: The writer, known for crafting popular Hallmark screenplays.
• John Putch: The director, guiding the unique blend of sports and romance.
• Multi-Generational Fandom: The core theme of the Higman family's devotion.
• Arrowhead Stadium: The spiritual home of the Chiefs, heavily referenced or featured.

In conclusion, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story is a landmark film in the Hallmark Christmas cannon, not just for its successful blend of football and romance, but for its incredibly well-rounded and surprising cast. From the proven chemistry of Hunter King and Tyler Hynes to the veteran gravitas of Ed Begley Jr. and Diedrich Bader, and the show-stopping cameos by Donna Kelce, Christian Okoye, and Trent Green, the movie delivers a holiday experience that is truly fresh, unique, and deeply rooted in the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a festive film with a real-life, championship-level heart.