Why the Chiefs’ Christmas NFL Tradition Could Change the Game Forever—and Leave Thanksgiving in the Dust

It’s wild to think the Kansas City Chiefs’ dominance won’t last forever — but let’s be real, their powerhouse run shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Even after falling short against the Eagles in this past Super Bowl, with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are well-positioned to stay formidable for years ahead. This golden era isn’t just about racking up wins; it’s the perfect moment for Kansas City to cement itself as a permanent fixture on the NFL’s most coveted stage.

The Chiefs have their sights set on a unique spot in the league’s marquee events — a regular Christmas Day game. Fresh off a report from The Athletic revealing their request to be an annual Christmas staple, it looks like the NFL granted their wish. For 2025, the three-time reigning AFC champs will host the Broncos in a Prime Video showcase, signaling a smart, future-facing strategy. Because let’s face it, the NFL’s ever-changing landscape means there’ll come a day when the Chiefs’ prime time draw fades — but by then, their Christmas legacy should keep them locked into a prime TV role regardless of their record.

LEARN MOREThat will pay off for the Chiefs when they are in a playoff drought or flirting with another two-win season. At some point they’ll be the New England Patriots, whose dynasty turned into back-to-back 4-13 seasons in less than five years. And if the NFL treats the Chiefs’ loyalty in helping build up Christmas like it did the Lions and Cowboys for their Thanksgiving service, Kansas City will keep that spot no matter how bad it gets.AdvertisementThe NFL remained loyal to those teams helping build up Thanksgiving as a huge day for the league. The Cowboys have had some down seasons, but their spot on Thanksgiving was never in doubt. The Lions have been bad for most of their history. In 2008 and 2009, when the Lions went 2-30, there were loud calls to remove Detroit from Thanksgiving. The NFL never budged, the Lions kept their spot and now they’re one of the NFL’s best teams.

The NFL remained loyal to those teams helping build up Thanksgiving as a huge day for the league. The Cowboys have had some down seasons, but their spot on Thanksgiving was never in doubt. The Lions have been bad for most of their history. In 2008 and 2009, when the Lions went 2-30, there were loud calls to remove Detroit from Thanksgiving. The NFL never budged, the Lions kept their spot and now they’re one of the NFL’s best teams.

The NFL remained loyal to those teams helping build up Thanksgiving as a huge day for the league. The Cowboys have had some down seasons, but their spot on Thanksgiving was never in doubt. The Lions have been bad for most of their history. In 2008 and 2009, when the Lions went 2-30, there were loud calls to remove Detroit from Thanksgiving. The NFL never budged, the Lions kept their spot and now they’re one of the NFL’s best teams.

The NFL remained loyal to those teams helping build up Thanksgiving as a huge day for the league. The Cowboys have had some down seasons, but their spot on Thanksgiving was never in doubt. The Lions have been bad for most of their history. In 2008 and 2009, when the Lions went 2-30, there were loud calls to remove Detroit from Thanksgiving. The NFL never budged, the Lions kept their spot and now they’re one of the NFL’s best teams.

In 1934, after the Detroit Lions had struggled with attendance the season before, the team scheduled a Thanksgiving game and convinced NBC Radio Network to broadcast it. That led to an annual tradition.Advertisement