Hallmark has set its starting lineup for “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story,” their second time teaming up with the NFL.
Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario, Tony Danza, Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, Steve Schirripa and Patti Murin will star in the film, set to premiere during Hallmark Channel’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas. Head coach Sean McDermott, running back Ray Davis, safety Damar Hamlin, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, tight end Dawson Knox, long snapper Reid Ferguson, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and wide receiver Joshua Palmer will also appear in the movie.
More from Variety
-
‘The Way Home’ Creators on Jacob’s Emotional Homecoming in Season 3 Premiere, Exploring the ’70s and That Mysterious Baby
-
Hallmark+ Adds Dozens of 2024 ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Movies, Lands Next-Day Streaming Window for 2025
-
Hallmark Sets November Release Date for Kansas City Chiefs Christmas Movie, Rolls Out Festive Promotions for NFL Partnership
Bills legend Jim Kelly, former players Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood and Andre Reed, and Bills announcer Chris Brown are set to make cameos, as is Luke Russert, the son of the late broadcast journalist and die-hard Bills fan Tim Russert.
Production kicks off on Monday in Buffalo, NY, both around the city and inside Highmark Stadium and Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“We are so excited to have a stellar ensemble cast that is truly an acting dream team,” says Samantha DiPippo, svp of programming at Hallmark Media. “The addition of Coach McDermott along with the current Bills players and alumni gives us the winning combination to bring to life this heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family and community and, of course, there’s romance with a touch of Christmas magic.”
“Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” is from Hallmark Media and Skydance Sports. Jonathan Eskenas and Kimberley Bradley are executive producers, Andrew Gernhard is producer and Molly Mayeux is line producer. Dustin Rikert directs the script written by Vanessa Marano and Danielle Morrow.
Below is the official logline:
The Quinns and DeLucas have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium – the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills. With their longtime friendship rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team – especially at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas. Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca (Daddario) have always been close friends, but Gabe has always held a torch for her – a fact obvious to their families (Pollan, Aaron, Schirripa)…and everyone else who crosses their path. When Morgan learns from her Uncle Tommy (Danza) that someone anonymously helped her family get by after he was drafted more than 60 years ago – and that he continues to receive a Christmas gift each year to this day –she decides to find his benefactor and give her uncle a Christmas he’ll always remember. Aided by Bills Mafia friends of theirs, Morgan and Gabe work together to unwrap the gifter’s identity. Along the way, Gabe’s love for Morgan deepens and in turn, she begins to see him in a new light though neither is daring enough to admit their feelings. Meanwhile, Morgan’s hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked. That is, until Gabe takes matters into his own hands and uses his connections with the Bills to pull off the surprise of a lifetime for Morgan and both their families that will make this a Christmas they’ll never forget.
Watch the full announcement below:
Best of Variety
-
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
-
Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series – The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and ‘Hot Ones’ Stir Up Buzz
-
Oscars Predictions 2026: ‘Sinners’ Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
