This year, Christmas falls on a Monday, and the NFL has strategically scheduled games throughout the weekend leading up to Christmas Day, starting from December 23rd. The matchup between Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium is set for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday.
Despite the festive season, Mahomes expressed in a recent interview that he isn’t particularly thrilled about playing on Christmas Day. In his words, “I think it’s two things. I’m excited because you get that standalone (game). You get to play at Arrowhead at 12:00. I mean, everybody’s gonna be just opening presents and getting the food in them, and then they’re going to be the happiest they possibly can be, and they’re gonna turn on and see the Kansas City Chiefs playing. So I’m excited about that,” he shared with Pro Football Talk on Wednesday.
However, Mahomes also mentioned his disappointment in missing Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with his kids, including the anticipation of Santa’s visit. Despite these sentiments, he looks forward to spending the evening with them after the game and sharing the joy of opening presents together. Although he’ll be required to be at the team hotel the day before the game, limiting his pre-Christmas time with family, a victory over the Raiders would undoubtedly lift his spirits.
It’s clear that Mahomes is not alone in experiencing the holiday blues, as other players may also find themselves torn between professional commitments and the desire to be with loved ones during this special time of the year.
