The National Football League has long sought to dominate the sports calendar, expanding its presence across almost every day of the week and even staking a claim on major holidays. This year, the league is taking its ambition a step further, scheduling games on Christmas Day, a Wednesday, marking yet another holiday takeover in pursuit of higher TV ratings.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the NFL, is all in on the league’s move to make Christmas Day football a permanent tradition. Speaking on Tuesday, Jones doubled down on the NFL’s commitment to being a part of the holiday, regardless of the day of the week it falls on.
“Christmas Day is Christmas Day, and it doesn’t wait around for what day it’s on. We want to be there on Christmas Day,” Jones said. “I would think the future is whatever day it’s on, we’re going to be there on Christmas.”
The Toll on Players
While the move makes financial sense for the NFL, it has drawn sharp criticism from players and former stars who argue that the grueling schedule is unfair to athletes and their families. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs are playing three games in just 11 days, while the Pittsburgh Steelers had to play a Saturday game and then suit up again for a Wednesday showdown.
Former Steelers quarterback and Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger didn’t mince words when addressing the league’s scheduling decisions, accusing the NFL of prioritizing profits over player safety.
“It’s miserable. It’s a shame that the league does this. It just shows that it’s all about money,” Roethlisberger said. “You want to talk about injuries and making the game safer—changing the kickoff rule, preventing hip-drop tackles, and concussions—but then you make guys play the most violent game in the world three games in 11 days. There’s no time for your body to heal or rest.”
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Current Players Echo Concerns
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared similar frustrations about the demands of the compressed schedule. While preparing for the Chiefs’ Christmas Day matchup, Mahomes acknowledged the physical toll on players.
“All you can do is focus on the game and the practice that you had that day,” Mahomes said. “I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch, tailoring my workouts and how I practice. The coaches do a great job taking care of us on the practice field. But it’s not a good feeling.”
Mahomes added, “I’m excited to play on Christmas and hopefully redeem ourselves from last year’s loss to the Raiders, but playing this many games in such a short time is not great for your body. At the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession, and you have to come to work and do it.”
A Growing Concern
Critics argue that the NFL’s relentless pursuit of scheduling dominance may eventually lead to games on almost every day of the week, further complicating an already taxing schedule. While the league’s expansion into new time slots has bolstered viewership and revenue, it’s also raised questions about the physical and emotional strain placed on players.
The clash between financial incentives and player well-being continues to be a hot topic. Players and former stars like Roethlisberger and Mahomes have made it clear that while they understand the business side of the league, they believe the current scheduling practices come at too high a cost.
As the NFL continues its march toward calendar domination, it will need to reckon with the growing chorus of voices advocating for a better balance between profit and player safety.
Until then, players like Mahomes will have no choice but to grit their teeth and push through, even if it means celebrating Christmas in a locker room instead of at home.
