NFL meets Christmas cheer as Hallmark unveils 'A Bears Love Story' cast

Hallmark has announced the cast for its upcoming Christmas romance film Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the third entry in the network’s NFL-themed holiday movie franchise.

Lyndsy Fonseca and Robert Buckley will headline the new Hallmark Christmas movie, which recently completed filming in Chicago. Production took place at notable locations, including Soldier Field and the Chicago Bears’ team headquarters at Halas Hall, bringing an authentic football backdrop to the festive romance.

The film’s cast also includes Marsha Mason, Barbara Alyn Woods and Khary Payton. Additional appearances will feature Tamera Mowry-Housley, Marilu Henner, Jake Connelly and Dyon “Mojo” Brooks.

The Chicago Bears will play a major role in the upcoming Hallmark movie, with appearances from head coach Ben Johnson, current players Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, and former Bears stars Mike Singletary, Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Dan Hampton. Connie Payton, the wife of legendary Bears player Walter Payton, will also appear.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story continues Hallmark’s collaboration with the NFL and Skydance Sports, following previous movies centred on the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. The franchise combines holiday romance with professional football storylines while highlighting the charitable efforts of each team.

The upcoming film will feature the Chicago Bears’ charitable organisation, Bears Care, and showcase its community initiatives across the Chicagoland area.

Directed by Dustin Rikert, the movie is produced by Andrew Gernhard and Molly M. Mayeux, with Jessica Matthews and David O’Donnell serving as executive producers.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is scheduled to premiere this fall as part of Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas lineup, which features original holiday movies for viewers throughout the festive season.