The National Football League’s growing schedule of Christmas Day games has stirred varied emotions among players. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, as he prepared for another holiday away from home, encapsulated a common sentiment: the pride of playing on Christmas intertwined with a personal longing for family time.
The Baltimore Ravens will face off against the Houston Texans this Wednesday, marking their second consecutive Christmas road game. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are slated to play the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the day. The scheduling of games on Christmas isn’t entirely new; the Miami Dolphins’ iconic victory over the Chiefs on December 25, 1971, remains a legendary moment in NFL history.
Despite this history, the trend of scheduling games during the Christmas period has ramped up in recent years, with the NFL having organized three games on Christmas last year alone. While this may provide fans with more entertainment, it has also posed challenges for players trying to balance their professional commitments with personal celebrations. As Jackson noted, while being scheduled to play during the holidays signifies the team’s success, it also means sacrificing valuable family time.
The impact of holiday scheduling is felt by both the Ravens and the Chiefs, who are left to manage celebrations with loved ones amidst a hectic game schedule. As Kansas City’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared, coordination with family becomes crucial. He expressed gratitude towards his wife for managing the festivities while he focuses on the game. Meanwhile, Ravens’ safety Kyle Hamilton emphasized the importance of keeping family traditions alive despite the distance, celebrating early to ensure his loved ones still feel included.
The NFL’s push for holiday games continues to grow, having recently secured a contract to broadcast Christmas Day games over the next three years. This expansion reflects a strategic move to maintain prime visibility for teams, among which the Ravens and Chiefs already hold significant attention. Additionally, the Ravens-Texans game will feature a halftime performance by renowned artist Beyoncé, adding an extra layer of spectacle to the event.
In informal team settings, players find ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. The Ravens have scheduled festivities, including a Christmas party at the home of center Tyler Linderbaum and a group dinner previously enjoyed with impressive culinary contributions from the team’s chefs. Coach John Harbaugh appreciated the chance for local family members to join post-practice gatherings, showing efforts to integrate personal and professional lives during the festive season.
As the NFL continues to expand its Christmas Day schedule, players are left navigating the complex emotions of professional pride and personal sacrifice. While the games offer a spotlight opportunity for the teams, the personal cost to players remains significant. The balance between professional commitments and cherished family traditions is a challenge that players continue to face during this festive period.
