The Chicago Bears announced Thursday they have partnered with Hallmark Media to be the latest NFL franchise to be featured in a Hallmark Christmas special. The project was unveiled by head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland in a video released by the team.
The film is titled “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.” In the announcement video, Johnson said, “My wife Jessica and I will be tuning in for this one.” The Bears did not release casting details when they announced the partnership.
Production is scheduled to begin this summer and will be filmed in locations across Chicago, the team said. Hallmark and the Bears have not disclosed a broadcast date or the full cast as of the announcement.
Darren Abbott, president and chief brand officer of Hallmark Media, said in a news release that after the success of the first two Holiday Touchdown movies the company wanted to continue the series with another iconic NFL franchise. Abbott added that the Bears’ history, passionate supporters and culture made the team a fitting choice for a heartwarming holiday story, according to the release.
The Bears will be the third NFL team to take part in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown series. The Kansas City Chiefs were the first to be featured in 2024’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” which included appearances by coach Andy Reid, Donna Kelce and players such as Trey Smith and Mecole Hardman Jr. The Buffalo Bills were featured last season in “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story,” with cameos from Damar Hamlin, Dion Dawkins and Reid Ferguson.
It remains unknown whether local Chicago businesses will appear; the announcement did not confirm whether staples such as Harrold’s Chicken or Pequod’s Pizza will be included. Further details are expected closer to production and the holiday season.
