NFL on Christmas Day

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The NFL on Christmas Day refers to the broadcasting of National Football League (NFL) games that are played on Christmas Day. The tradition of holding NFL games on Christmas Day has evolved over the years, with the NFL scheduling games on this holiday to capitalize on the large television audiences available during the festive season.

History[edit | edit source]

The first NFL game played on Christmas Day took place in 1971, when the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Miami Dolphins in what remains the longest game in NFL history. The game went into double overtime, with Miami ultimately winning. Initially, there was reluctance to schedule games on Christmas Day due to concerns about attendance and the impact on family celebrations. However, as the popularity of the NFL grew, so did the acceptance of Christmas Day games.

In the early years, Christmas Day games were not a regular occurrence. It wasn't until 1989 that the NFL scheduled another Christmas Day game. Since then, the league has occasionally scheduled games on Christmas, depending on how the holiday aligns with the regular NFL schedule, typically held on Sundays.

Modern Era[edit | edit source]

In recent years, the NFL has shown a greater propensity to schedule games on Christmas Day, especially if the holiday falls on a weekend. For instance, when Christmas occurs on a Sunday, the regular slate of games is played as it would be any other Sunday in the season. If Christmas falls on a weekday, the NFL might schedule one or more games specifically for national television broadcasts, such as on Monday Night Football or a special standalone game.

Impact and Reception[edit | edit source]

The decision to hold NFL games on Christmas Day has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciate the opportunity to watch football on a major holiday, seeing it as a welcome addition to the Christmas festivities. Others believe that the games detract from the traditional family-oriented nature of the holiday.

Despite these differing opinions, NFL games on Christmas Day have generally performed well in terms of television ratings, indicating a strong viewer interest. Networks like CBS, NBC, and Fox often compete for the broadcasting rights for these games due to their high viewership potential.

Notable Christmas Day Games[edit | edit source]

Some Christmas Day games have been particularly memorable due to their significance in the playoffs or dramatic finishes. For example:

The 1971 double-overtime game between the Chiefs and Dolphins, as previously mentioned.
In 2016, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Baltimore Ravens in a game that decided the AFC North division title. The Steelers won with a last-minute touchdown.

Future of NFL on Christmas Day[edit | edit source]

The future of NFL games on Christmas Day looks secure as the league continues to expand its holiday scheduling. The NFL's willingness to play on Christmas reflects its strategy to maximize television ratings and engage fans during a key part of the holiday season.

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