The Kansas City Chiefs have seemingly taken the "America's Team" label from the Dallas Cowboys during this dynastic run, frequently appearing in primetime and in stand-alone spots on holidays to maximize their exposure.
It's mutually beneficial, as the Chiefs are the biggest draw for the NFL and have seen their marketing opportunities skyrocket as a result. As the league has dipped its toe into the Christmas Day waters, Kansas City has been front and center.
Despite the NFL's insistence that the Chiefs aren't the designated Christmas team, their actions speak louder than words. For the third straight year, Kansas City will play on the holiday, and at this point, the league needs to stop disrespecting ownership and admit what we all already know.
A Christmas showdown in Kansas City 🎄
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) May 12, 2025
Broncos. Chiefs. Only on Prime. pic.twitter.com/5tTVzuw0zr
NFL Needs to Just Admit the Chiefs are the Official Christmas Day Team
The Chiefs will take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football in the evening slot. It's no surprise that Kansas City is once again playing on Christmas, yet it's still disrespectful not to say the quiet part out loud.
Just like the Cowboys are the designated Thanksgiving Day team, the Chiefs are the Christmas team. It's something that Kansas City wants, for the record, as Clark Hunt and other executives have reportedly lobbied the league to let the team keep playing on the holiday.
It's a fantastic chance to market the franchise and raise valuations, so Hunt probably isn't upset about the situation. If the Chiefs have their way, they'll play on Christmas every year, though the NFL has said they won't. At this point, it seems league officials are lying through their teeth.
While it's good for business to have Kansas City in the spotlight, it's unfortunate for stadium workers, media, and team employees who routinely have to essentially forfeit a holiday with their respective families. If the NFL is going to make these people work on Christmas, they at least owe it to them to be upfront about it.
Regardless, "America's New Team" will likely play on December 25 in 2026 and 2027 as well. Perhaps things will change but as long as Patrick Mahomes is around, the NFL is incentivized to put him on primetime as much as possible.