I’ll begin with a confession: I’m not a football fan! Yet I’ve now watched all three of Hallmark’s NFL-themed Holiday Touchdown Christmas movies, and I find the idea interesting. These movies bring together Christmas, romance, teams, and the communities that care deeply about them. I may not share that passion for football, but I can certainly appreciate its place in American culture.

This time, Hallmark takes us to Chicago, a city I’ve visited, in Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story. I had fun spotting familiar sights and enjoying the local touches. But the part of this movie that stayed with me had less to do with football or the central romance—and everything to do with Marsha Mason.

What’s the Story?

Freelance journalist Avery Clark (Lyndsy Fonseca) returns to Chicago for Christmas, where she is assigned to profile Darlene Donnelly (Marsha Mason), a devoted Chicago Bears fan about to attend her 500th game. Avery knows very little about football, so Darlene’s grandson Matt (Robert Buckley), a Chicago firefighter and passionate Bears fan, helps her learn what the team means to his family and to the city. Along the way, Avery learns that some traditions are really stories about the people we love.

Robert Buckley, Lyndsy Fonseca, and a Romance That Didn’t Quite Convince Me

There is something about Robert Buckley’s screen presence that I always enjoy. I came to know him primarily through Hallmark, and he strikes me as remarkably genuine, believable, and likable on screen. I sometimes think he could have chemistry with just about anyone! He brings his usual warmth to Matt.

Lyndsy Fonseca is good as Avery, too. Although her performance didn’t particularly stand out to me, I related to a woman entering a football-loving world she doesn’t fully understand. It’s possible to respect someone else’s enthusiasm without sharing it.

My biggest reservation was the romance itself. The overall story felt cohesive, but I wanted to see the relationship develop more naturally. When the romantic conclusion arrived, it felt too fast to me. I don’t believe every Hallmark romance must end with a kiss simply because it’s expected. Sometimes the promise of a relationship—with room for it to grow—can be just as satisfying. I enjoyed the actors; I just wasn’t entirely persuaded by the characters’ journey as a couple.

Marsha Mason Was the Heart of the Movie

Oh, my goodness, Marsha Mason! For me, she WAS the movie.

As Darlene, she brings warmth, personality, and emotional depth to a story that could easily have made its older character an afterthought. Instead, Darlene’s approaching 500th Bears game is central to the film. I loved that choice.

Too often, older characters in Christmas romances are there merely to advise the younger couple or provide a few charming moments. Here, Darlene has her own history, her own love story, and a reason for doing what she does. I appreciated that the writers and filmmakers gave her such an important place in the narrative.

Why Darlene’s Story Meant So Much to Me

Spoiler note: This section refers to an emotional moment near the end of the movie. Skip to “Chicago and Some Familiar Faces” if you’d rather experience it yourself.

Seeing Darlene reach her 500th game and the tribute to her late husband brought tears to my eyes. My own father passed away after living with Alzheimer’s disease, and I found myself thinking about my mother and the love my parents shared.

The traditions and memories that remain after someone is gone can carry extraordinary meaning. Darlene’s love for her husband wasn’t reduced to a passing reference; it was something the story allowed us to feel. That tribute, and Marsha Mason’s performance, moved me much more than the younger couple’s romance. I’m grateful that the film treated an older woman’s love and grief as a story worthy of center stage.

Chicago and Some Familiar Faces

I enjoyed the film’s Chicago setting. Because I’ve visited the city, it was fun recognizing locations and references. The Bears traditions helped give this particular Christmas movie an identity of its own, even for someone like me who doesn’t follow the NFL.

There were some fun surprise appearances for Hallmark viewers, including Tamera Mowry-Housley and Marilu Henner. The film also includes Chicago Bears personalities, among them coach Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Mike Singletary, Charles “Peanut” Tillman, and Dan Hampton, as well as Staley Da Bear. Those moments are a treat for fans of the network and the team alike.

A Personal Connection: Adua Ring of Hungry for Hallmark

I had another reason to smile while watching: one of my clients, Adua Ring of Hungry For Hallmark, appeared as a background actor! I know how much it meant to her to have that dream become a reality and how excited she was to see herself on screen. It was especially fun for me to look for her in the background. Sometimes celebrating someone else’s milestone is part of the enjoyment of watching a movie.

Recognizing the Team Behind the Film

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story was directed by Dustin Rikert and written by Christine Garver, Stephanie Jackson, and Marcy Holland. I particularly appreciated the attention they gave Darlene’s story and the way the movie integrated a distinctly Chicago sense of place.

The credited producers include Molly Mayeux and Andrew Gernhard; executive producers include David O’Donnell, Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, and Jessica Matthews. The film is part of a collaboration involving Hallmark Media, the NFL, Skydance Sports, and the Chicago Bears.

In addition to Robert Buckley, Lyndsy Fonseca, and Marsha Mason, the cast features Barbara Alyn Woods as Jody and Khary Payton as Ron. A lot of people, on camera and off, helped make this movie feel connected to its city, its football community, and its characters.

Watch the Trailer

My Final Thoughts: 75/100

Overall, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story was an enjoyable Christmas movie. I appreciated the Chicago atmosphere, Robert Buckley’s easy charm, the cohesive storytelling, and the little surprises for Hallmark and Bears fans. For me, the romantic ending didn’t feel completely earned, and that kept the movie from ranking higher.

But Marsha Mason’s Darlene? She was wonderful. Her storyline reminded me that a lasting love story doesn’t necessarily end when someone dies, and that older characters deserve to be at the center of our stories, too.

My rating: 75/100. Worth seeing—especially for Marsha Mason and the moving story behind Darlene’s 500th game.

Let’s Talk Christmas Movies!

Have you watched Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story? Did you love Avery and Matt’s romance, or did Darlene’s story stay with you, too? And do you think every Hallmark romance needs that traditional final kiss? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Movie information: Official Hallmark movie page and publicity photos | Hallmark movie news and featurettes.