In an exciting turn of events, Donna Kelce, the beloved mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, Film is stepping into the spotlight with her acting debut in two Hallmark Christmas movies. Known for her unwavering support of her sons and her growing fame as America’s favorite football mom, Donna is now capturing hearts in a new way—on the silver screen. Her roles in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and Christmas on Call mark a surprising yet delightful venture into holiday cinema, blending her NFL ties with the festive charm of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup. This news has sparked buzz among fans of both football and Hallmark’s heartwarming holiday films, making Donna Kelce a name to watch this holiday season.
Donna Kelce, 72, has become a household name over the past few years, largely due to her sons’ success in the NFL. Travis Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jason Kelce, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center, have both made significant marks in professional football. Donna’s presence at their games, often cheering in the stands, has endeared her to fans. Her visibility soared when she was spotted alongside pop superstar Taylor Swift at a Chiefs game in 2023, fueling public fascination with her warm, relatable persona. Now, Donna is trading the football field for tinsel and holiday cheer, taking on cameo roles in two Hallmark films set to premiere in late 2024.
In an interview with People magazine, Donna shared her excitement about this unexpected career pivot. “It was so awesome,” she said, reflecting on her time on set. “There were so many fantastic veterans of Hallmark movies, and I just had a blast learning from all of them.” Her enthusiasm is palpable, and her down-to-earth nature shines through as she describes the experience as “really fun.” For someone who has spent over a decade supporting her sons at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, filming in familiar locations added a special touch to her acting journey.
The first of Donna’s films, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, is a Kansas City Chiefs-themed romance that has generated significant anticipation. Premiering on November 30, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET on the Hallmark Channel, the movie is a collaboration between Hallmark and the NFL, a first-of-its-kind partnership. Set against the backdrop of Kansas City, the film follows Alana (played by Hunter King), a Chiefs superfan whose family owns a Chiefs merchandise store and a barbecue restaurant. Alana’s family is in the running for the Chiefs’ Fan of the Year award, and sparks fly when she meets Derrick (Tyler Hynes), the team’s director of fan engagement.
Donna plays a barbecue restaurant manager named Donna, a nod to her real-life persona. In one memorable scene, she wears a Chiefs jersey honoring her son Travis, adding a personal touch to her role. The film, shot partially at Arrowhead Stadium, features cameos from Chiefs players like Trey Smith, Mecole Hardman Jr., Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and George Karlaftis, as well as head coach Andy Reid. This authentic NFL connection sets Holiday Touchdown apart from typical holiday fare, grounding the story in real-world Chiefs culture while maintaining Hallmark’s signature romantic and festive vibe.
Fans of the Chiefs and Hallmark alike have praised the film for its authenticity. “It’s no secret that holiday movies typically have a pretty minuscule budget,” notes a review from Tom’s Guide. “But Holiday Touchdown partnered with the NFL to not only get the rights to use the team’s name, but it even features cameos from real players.” The inclusion of Donna Kelce, described as “the most iconic cameo,” adds a layer of credibility and charm, especially given her connection to Travis Kelce and, by extension, Taylor Swift. While the movie isn’t explicitly about the Swift-Kelce romance, screenwriter Julie Sherman Wolfe acknowledges that their relationship “got people thinking about romance and football together,” inspiring the film’s concept.
Donna’s second film, Christmas on Call, premiered on November 22, 2024, and shifts the setting to Philadelphia, paying homage to her son Jason Kelce’s NFL legacy with the Eagles. In this movie, Donna makes a cameo as a worker at a cheesesteak shop, sporting an Eagles jersey and delivering a cheerful “Go Birds!”—a rallying cry familiar to Philadelphia fans. The story centers on first responders in Philadelphia whose lives intertwine during the holiday season, with Donna’s scene adding a lighthearted touch to the narrative.
In an interview with Vulture, Donna described her roles as “teeny cameos” that were “kind of fun” to film. “One of them’s about Philly and the other one’s about the Chiefs. So it kinda made sense,” she explained. Her appearances in both films reflect her unique position as a mother to two NFL stars from rival teams, making her a natural fit for these NFL-themed holiday stories. Fans have responded warmly to her involvement, with her grandchildren—Jason’s daughters Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett—particularly thrilled to see their “DeeDee” on screen, repeatedly asking to “play it back!”
Filming Holiday Touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium was a surreal experience for Donna, who has spent countless Sundays cheering for Travis at the venue. “It’s so much fun for them to be doing the movie in Kansas City for the first time and being in the stadium that I’ve been here for the past 11 years,” she told People. Her co-stars, seasoned Hallmark actors Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, were quick to praise her performance. “We love Donna,” Hunter told Us Weekly, while Tyler noted that he intentionally flubbed lines to help Donna feel at ease when she was “a little overwhelmed” on set. Their camaraderie added to the film’s wholesome energy, with Donna even encouraging Hynes and King to leave a surprise note in Travis Kelce’s locker during filming.
The presence of NFL stars and the iconic Arrowhead Stadium elevated the production, but Donna’s charm was a standout. “Donna Kelce is like royalty showing up and blessing us,” Tyler Hynes told Parade, highlighting the excitement her involvement brought to the set. Her natural warmth and connection to the Chiefs made her a perfect addition to the film, resonating with both football fans and Hallmark viewers.
Donna Kelce’s foray into acting is more than just a fun side project—it’s a testament to her growing cultural influence. Her rise to fame began with her sons’ success, particularly during the 2023 Super Bowl, where Travis and Jason faced off as opponents. Her visibility alongside Taylor Swift further amplified her public profile, making her a relatable figure for fans across sports and entertainment. Her roles in Holiday Touchdown and Christmas on Call capitalize on this unique position, bridging the worlds of NFL fandom and holiday movie magic.
Hallmark’s decision to partner with the NFL reflects a broader trend of blending sports and entertainment to attract diverse audiences. According to Variety, 24% of Hallmark’s total day audience in 2023 was male, with more than half of its Countdown to Christmas viewers also watching sports. This overlap makes Donna’s cameo a strategic move, appealing to both traditional Hallmark fans and football enthusiasts drawn in by the Chiefs and Eagles connections.
As Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and Christmas on Call hit screens, fans are already speculating about Donna’s future in acting. Her co-stars Tyler Hynes and Hunter King have jokingly pitched a sequel featuring Donna throwing a game-winning touchdown to Travis, with Taylor Swift descending as a “Christmas angel” singing a new holiday song. While this playful idea may not come to fruition, it underscores the excitement surrounding Donna’s screen presence.
For now, viewers can catch Donna in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story on November 30, 2024, on the Hallmark Channel, with an extended cut premiering on Hallmark+ on December 12. Christmas on Call is already available, offering a chance to see Donna’s Eagles pride in action. Whether you’re a Chiefs fan, an Eagles supporter, or simply a lover of holiday movies, Donna Kelce’s film debut is a heartwarming addition to the season.
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