Attention, Hallmarkies and Bills Mafia!
Hallmark has just announced its star-studded cast for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, and, yes, it definitely makes us want to shout!
If you’re a fan of two iconic supernatural television series from the past two decades, you’ll be particularly thrilled by our dazzling leads.
And for our diehard Bills fans, the film will feature some truly legendary players.
Production begins today for this highly anticipated film. I’d like to personally apologize for the week of crappy weather ahead for the cast and crew, but take it kindly and in stride as it’s a true Buffalonian welcome!
We make up for it with wings and beer!
Hallmark Snags Stars from Supernatural Teen Series
Our impressive leads for this film include Teen Wolf‘s gorgeous and talented Holland Roden.
She’ll play Morgan Quinn, a pediatric doctor and diehard Bills fan, the fierce, sweet, family-oriented, and kind heroine of this endearingly sweet and romantic story.
Shadowhunters’ handsome and versatile star, Matthew Daddario, accompanies her as co-lead.
This blue-eyed charmer will star as Gabe DeLuca, Bills’ VP of Stadium Development, who has always carried a torch for his close friend.
The cast will always feature the legendary Tony Danza. He’ll take a break from portraying one of the most loathsome men on Power Book III: Raising Kanan to portray Morgan’s Uncle Tommy, an endearing man whose past becomes integral to the film’s primary plot.
A Bills Love Story’s star-studded lineup includes Tracy Pollan from Law & Order: SVU, Caroline Aaron from Ghosts, and Steve Schirripa from Blue Bloods.
Bills Alum, Legends, Current Players, Coaches, Guest Star
It’s a definite win for the casting with this film. We have many MVPs on this list, and the prospect of seeing them all together is exciting.
As for our Bills-associated appearances, A Bills Love Story is having fun there, too!
It may be the offseason, but some of our Bills Fam are having fun with this film.
Given his announcement of the film, it’s no surprise that beloved Safety Damar Hamlin will star in it.
We can also anticipate seeing Head Coach Sean McDermott, Running Back Ray Davis, Offensive Tackle Dion Dawkins, Tight End Dawson Knox, Long Snapper Reid Ferguson, Defensive Tackle DeWayne Carter, and Wide Receiver Joshua Palmer.
But that’s not all!
We can also anticipate the appearances of legendary players Jim Kelly and former teammates Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, and Scott Norwood.
And fret not, as Bills play-by-play announcer Chris Brown will also make his presence known during production.
Rounding things off, Luke Russert, the son of the late, great broadcast journalist and diehard Bills fan, Tim Russert, will also pay homage to his father during this film.
Forgive us if we’re already getting a little misty-eyed.
Buffalove and Magic of Christmas Prevail
“We are so excited to have a stellar ensemble cast that is truly an acting dream team,” began Samantha DiPippo, Senior Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media.
“The addition of Coach McDermott along with the current Bills players and alumni gives us the winning combination to bring to life this heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family and community, and, of course, there’s romance with a touch of Christmas magic.”
Everyone is excited about this film and lineup.
The film’s compelling synopsis already warms our hearts and captures the essence of both Hallmark romance and Christmas.
For fans of the “friends to lovers” trope (like me), this one will please you.
A Bills Love Story Teases Strong Story Arc Full of Heart
The Quinns and DeLucas have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium – the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills, the synopsis reads.
With their longtime friendship rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team — especially at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas.
Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca (Daddario) have always been close friends, but Gabe has always held a torch for her — a fact obvious to their families (Pollan, Aaron, Schirripa) and everyone else who crosses their path.
When Morgan learns from her Uncle Tommy (Danza) that someone anonymously helped her family get by after he was drafted more than 60 years ago — and that he continues to receive a Christmas gift each year to this day — she decides to find his benefactor and give her uncle a Christmas he’ll never forget.
Aided by Bills Mafia friends, Morgan and Gabe work together to unwrap the gifter’s identity. Along the way, Gabe’s love for Morgan deepens, and, in turn, she begins to see him in a new light, although neither is daring enough to admit their feelings.
Production Officially Kicks Off in Buffalo!
Meanwhile, Morgan’s hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked. That is, until Gabe takes matters into his own hands and uses his connections with the Bills to pull off the surprise of a lifetime for Morgan and both their families, making this a Christmas they’ll never forget.
It sounds exciting, doesn’t it? I’m already gearing up to curl up with and watch.
Again, production for the film starts today in Buffalo, New York, and filming will take place in the iconic Highmark Stadium, which is headed into its final season as the Bills’ home.
Filming will also take place in the heart and hub of the medical district, Oishei Children’s Hospital, as Roden’s Morgan will play a Pediatric Doctor.
Sneak Peek Teaser of Cast Announcement
We can anticipate other filming locations around the region, so be on alert, my fellow Buffaloanians, and show everyone why they call us the “City of Good Neighbors.”
Skydance Sports is the Executive Producer of Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. The studio is a joint venture between Skydance and the NFL to produce premium content across a broad
range of sports and formats.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is from Hallmark Media. Jonathan Eskenas and Kimberley Bradley are executive producers. Andrew Gernhard serves as producer, and Molly Mayeux is line producer. Dustin Rikert directs from a script by Vanessa Marano and Danielle Morrow.
We don’t have a premiere date or trailer yet, but check out this cute cast announcement below and get into the Bills Mafia spirit!
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