A Love Story in the NFL: Holland Roden Shines in Hallmark’s New Movie
The NFL has partnered with Hallmark for the second consecutive holiday season, this time shifting the spotlight from a Kansas City Chiefs romance to a love story centered around the Buffalo Bills.
In March, Hallmark revealed that their 2025 “Countdown to Christmas” schedule will feature another football-themed film titled Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. (Last year, fans enjoyed seeing Tyler Hynes and Hunter King embody the Chiefs fandom, launching the Holiday Touchdown series.)
A Bills Love Story arrives just after the engagement of Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld, further capturing the attention of fans around the NFL.
According to Hallmark Media senior vice president Samantha DiPippo, viewers can anticipate a blend of romance, football, and “a sprinkle of Christmas magic” in this latest film.
The cast members are equally excited about joining the holiday series. “I’m thrilled to be part of the starting lineup for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story,” exclaimed star Holland Roden in a Hallmark video released on May 19, revealing her casting.
The Teen Wolf alum donned a Bills shirt while tossing a football to her co-star and love interest, Matthew Daddario. “I’m excited to introduce my handsome and talented teammate,” Roden said before throwing the ball to Daddario, who playfully mentioned he was “ready for kickoff.”
Continue reading for all the updates on Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story:
Who Will Star in ‘A Bills Love Story’?
Roden and Daddario are set to play the lead roles as love interests. They’ll be joined by Tony Danza, Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, and Steve Schirripa. However, on May 21, Hallmark announced that Danza had a scheduling conflict and will be replaced by Joe Pantoliano.
Is ‘A Bills Love Story’ Inspired by Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s Romance?
While Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story included references to the romance between tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in 2024, it remains unclear if Allen and Steinfeld’s relationship will be touched upon in A Bills Love Story. The characters do not seem to directly reflect Allen and Steinfeld’s relationship. (Last year’s NFL Hallmark movie didn’t parallel Swift and Kelce’s romance either, though it included a cameo from Travis’ mom, Donna Kelce.)
Fans have been captivated by Steinfeld and Allen since their relationship began in 2023. Allen proposed in November 2024, and shortly after, a billboard in Buffalo congratulated the couple on their engagement, declaring, “The Queen City has a new queen. Congratulations, Josh and Hailee.”
What Is ‘A Bills Love Story’ About?
The film centers around the Quinn and DeLuca families, neighbors and dedicated Bills Mafia supporters, as they celebrate the last home game before Christmas together. The logline describes pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca (Daddario) as close friends, with Gabe harboring feelings for Morgan — something their families (Pollan, Aaron, Schirripa) and everyone around them quickly notices. After Morgan discovers that someone anonymously assisted her family when her uncle was drafted over 60 years ago — and continues to send Christmas gifts each year — she decides to track down the benefactor to deliver a heartfelt Christmas surprise for her uncle.
As Morgan and Gabe work together to uncover the identity of the mystery giver, their friendship evolves into romance. When Morgan’s aspirations of surprising her uncle face obstacles, Gabe “takes matters into his own hands” and leverages his connections with the Bills to orchestrate an unforgettable surprise for both families, making this a Christmas they’ll cherish forever, according to Hallmark.
Which NFL Players Will Make Cameos?
Featured in the film will be Bills 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.
Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly will make an appearance alongside retired players Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, and Scott Norwood. The network confirmed in May that play-by-play announcer Chris Brown would also feature, with Luke Russert honoring his late broadcast journalist father, Tim Russert.
Additionally, Andrew Walker will have a cameo in the film. On June 13, Hallmark shared a clip of Walker behind the bar, likely part of his film scenes. He has starred in over 30 Hallmark movies.
Has Production Begun?
Production was confirmed to have started in May in Buffalo, New York. The movie is set to film in several iconic local locations, including Highmark Stadium and Oishei Children’s Hospital.
When Will ‘A Bills Love Story’ Premiere?
This football-themed movie is anticipated to premiere during the Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” schedule.
Is There a Trailer for ‘A Bills Love Story’?
While an official trailer has yet to be released, Hallmark shared a video announcing the cast with a “starting lineup” on May 19.
Who Wrote the Script?
Gilmore Girls alum Vanessa Marano and Dani Morrow collaborated on the screenplay for this rom-com. The duo celebrated their accomplishment in May by posting an Instagram video showcasing the finished product while wearing Bills’ beanies.
