BREAKING: Buffalo Bills Stars to Appear in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story

Buffalo Bills Stars to Appear in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story

Hallmark Channel has unveiled the cast for its latest holiday film, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, set to premiere as part of its popular “Countdown to Christmas” programming event.

The movie will showcase several familiar faces from the Buffalo Bills, including 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.

The film also features appearances from Bills legends Jim Kelly, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood, and Andre Reed, along with team play-by-play announcer Chris Brown. Luke Russert, son of the late journalist and devoted Bills fan Tim Russert, will also participate.

Actors Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario, Tony Danza, Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, Steve Schirripa, and Patti Murin are among the primary cast members. Production has kicked off in Buffalo, utilizing iconic local spots like Highmark Stadium, entering its final season as the Bills’ home, and Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible lineup together,” said Samantha DiPippo, Senior VP of Programming at Hallmark Media. “Adding Coach McDermott and current Bills players to this heartfelt, community-driven story gives it the perfect blend of sports spirit and Christmas warmth.”

 

Plot Overview

Set in the close-knit community surrounding Highmark Stadium, the story follows two neighboring families—the Quinns and the DeLucas—whose shared love of the Buffalo Bills has fueled decades of friendship and holiday traditions.

Morgan Quinn (played by Roden), a pediatrician, and Gabe DeLuca (Daddario), the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development, have been lifelong friends. Though Gabe has long had feelings for Morgan, he’s kept them hidden—though their families (played by Pollan, Aaron, and Schirripa) are well aware.

When Morgan discovers a long-kept family secret—an anonymous donor who has sent Christmas gifts to her uncle Tommy (Danza) every year since his military draft—she embarks on a mission to uncover the mysterious benefactor’s identity. With Gabe and their Bills-loving neighbors helping along the way, the two grow closer, and Morgan begins to see Gabe in a new light.

A holiday mishap nearly derails Morgan’s plans—until Gabe rallies support from the Bills organization to help deliver a heartwarming surprise that brings the community together and deepens their connection.

Behind the Scenes & Production Team

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is a Hallmark Media production, executive produced by Jonathan Eskenas and Kimberley Bradley. Andrew Gernhard is the producer and Molly Mayeux serves as line producer. Dustin Rikert directs from a screenplay written by Vanessa Marano and Danielle Morrow.

The film is co-produced by Skydance Sports, a joint venture between Skydance Media and the NFL, which specializes in premium sports-themed entertainment. Their recent projects include Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Kelce on Prime Video, and The Pick Is In on Roku.