NFL Embraces Christmas: Twice the Games, Twice the Joy
In a move that defies tradition but embraces the insatiable appetite of football fans, the National Football League (NFL) has announced plans to stage not one, but two Christmas Day games in 2024. This bold decision comes despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, a day typically reserved for practice and preparation rather than gridiron combat.
The announcement, made by Hans Schroeder, the league’s executive vice president for media distribution, signals a shift in the NFL’s approach to the ever-evolving viewing habits of its audience. Traditionally, the league has shied away from scheduling games on Christmas Day when it falls midweek, citing logistical challenges and concerns over viewership. However, the data from last year’s Christmas Day tripleheader has provided a compelling case for the league to reconsider its stance.
“Those were three of our highest-10 regular-season games all year,” Schroeder remarked, referring to the staggering viewership figures from the 2022 Christmas Day games. The triple-threat lineup, featuring the Raiders-Chiefs, Giants-Eagles, and Ravens-49ers matchups, collectively drew an average of 28.7 million viewers, with the Raiders-Chiefs tilt commanding a whopping 29.6 million eyeballs.
Schroeder acknowledged the league’s initial reservations about scheduling games on a weekday Christmas but emphasized the importance of adapting to new data and fan preferences. “We listened. That’s really how it happened,” he said, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to delivering an exceptional viewing experience for its passionate fanbase.
While the decision to play on Christmas Day may ruffle feathers among players, coaches, and team personnel who cherish the holiday as a rare opportunity for rest and family time, the league’s top brass is betting on the irresistible allure of football to outweigh any potential backlash.
Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, was quick to allay concerns about this move setting a precedent for regular weekday games, insisting that it is a temporary measure tailored specifically to the Christmas Day circumstances. “NFL games on Christmas Day, though, likely are here to stay, regardless of what day of the week it falls,” Goodell stated, solidifying the league’s commitment to capitalizing on the holiday’s viewership potential.
The scheduling of the two Christmas Day games in 2024 is a calculated risk, but one that the NFL believes will pay dividends in the form of unprecedented viewership and engagement. With teams being given a four-day rest period between their Week 16 Saturday games and the Christmas Day contests, the league has taken steps to mitigate the physical toll on players.
As the NFL continues to push the boundaries of what constitutes a traditional game day, fans can look forward to a unique and memorable viewing experience, complete with the sights and sounds of hard-hitting action unfolding amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer of the holiday season.