The Best Hallmark Football Movies
With football season in full swing, Hallmark fans are in for a real treat. Not only are we eagerly anticipating Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story starring Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, but it’s also the perfect time to revisit some of the best Hallmark football movies that bring together love, sports, and heartwarming storylines.
Whether you’re a dedicated football fan or simply enjoy a romantic storyline with a sporty twist, these Hallmark football movies are sure to win you over. To get you excited for Holiday Touchdown, we’ve put together a list of our favorite films where football and romance go hand in hand.
The Best Hallmark Football Movies to Watch This Season
To our surprise, Hallmark has produced only a handful of football-themed romances over the years. However, these films have become fan favorites. Here’s a look at the best Hallmark football movies that combine love, family, and the excitement of the game.
Fourth Down and Love (Hallmark Channel – 2023)
Starring: Pascale Hutton & Ryan Paevey
Plot: In Fourth Down and Love, sparks fly when a single mother and a pro football player coincidentally reunite on her daughter’s flag football field. After a career interruption due to a sports injury, the football player, played by Ryan Paevey, finds himself back in the game of life, connecting with Pascale Hutton’s character. As they navigate their newfound connection and work together to support the kids, old flames are reignited, blending the excitement of football with the warmth of romance.
Writers and Director: The film is brought to life by a talented team including writers Chevy Burnett, Shanda Lee Munson, and Julie Sherman Wolfe, who is also the writer for Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. The direction is handled by Allan Harmon, ensuring a perfect blend of heartfelt storytelling and sports excitement.
Love on the Sidelines (Hallmark Channel – 2016)
Starring: Emily Kinney & John Reardon
Plot: Another one of the best Hallmark football movies, Love on the Sidelines features Laurel, an aspiring fashion designer who lands a job as a personal assistant to Danny, a professional football quarterback recovering from an injury. Laurel knows nothing about football, but as she navigates her new role, she proves that love doesn’t require understanding the game. Danny, battling career uncertainty, finds himself falling for Laurel in this charming story of love and sports.
Related: Listen to our review of Love on the Sidelines
Writers and Director: The film is penned by Sandra Berg and Judith Berg, who bring their expertise to the romantic sports narrative. The direction by Terry Ingram ensures a heartfelt portrayal of love and football, making it a standout addition to Hallmark’s lineup of sports-themed romances.
Hallmark’s More Emotional Football Films
While most Hallmark football movies focus on lighthearted romance, two films take a more serious approach. Chasing a Dream and Relative Stranger dive deeper into themes like grief, loss, and family reconciliation.
These movies still incorporate a dash of football but explore more somber subject matter, making them unique additions to Hallmark’s lineup. Though not your typical feel-good romance, they offer heartfelt stories that resonate with fans on a deeper level.
Chasing a Dream (Hallmark Channel – 2009)
Starring: Andrew Lawrence & Treat Williams
Plot: In this touching film, football takes a backseat to personal growth and self-discovery. One of the best Hallmark football movies with an emotional twist, Chasing a Dream tells the story of Cam Stiles, a high school football player who gives up the sport after his best friend’s tragic death. Pursuing his friend’s dream of becoming a track star, Cam struggles with the expectations of his father, played by the late Treat Williams. It’s an inspiring film that shows how following a new path can lead to surprising outcomes.
Alternate Title: This film, also known under the alternate title Miles From Nowhere, leans heavily into themes of faith and family. This touching film emphasizes the importance of personal faith and family support, adding a deeper emotional layer to the football-themed narrative.
Relative Stranger (Hallmark Mystery – 2009)
Starring: Eriq La Salle, Cicely Tyson & Michael Michele
Plot: Relative Stranger stands out as one of the best Hallmark football movies for its deeper, more dramatic take on life after football. The film follows Walter Clemons, a former NFL player who returns home after a long absence following his father’s death. Faced with the task of mending broken relationships and healing old wounds, Walter’s journey is one of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Award Winning: Eriq La Salle and Cicely Tyson give powerful performances in this moving family drama and both were nominated for a NAACP Image Award for their work. Tyson was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.
What to Expect from Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
Of course, all eyes are on the upcoming Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, which is set to be one of the best Hallmark football movies of the season. Starring Tyler Hynes and newcomer Hunter King, the film is to feature a mix of Kansas City Chiefs fandom, holiday magic, and romance. Whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs fan or just love the thrill of football, this movie is bound to bring all the warmth and excitement we expect from Hallmark. Premiering Thanksgiving Weekend, November 30th.
Why These Are the Best Hallmark Football Movies
Hallmark excels at blending romance, family, and sports, and while the number of football-themed movies is limited, these are the best because they are the only ones available.
The best Hallmark football movies don’t just focus on the game but delve into the emotional journeys of their characters, showcasing how love can triumph both on and off the field. These films embody everything we love about Hallmark: heartfelt stories, strong relationships, and plenty of feel-good moments.
As we eagerly await the premiere of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, grab your favorite jersey, settle in, and enjoy these standout films that offer a unique blend of love and sports.
We’re Your New Hallmark Besties
Hey there! We’re Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan’s a longtime Hallmark movie fan, while Wendy – well, she used to be a Hallmark hater. Now, we’ve teamed up to share our (often very different!) takes on these films. Get ready for some lively, fun-filled conversations!
Check out the library of Hallmark movies we’ve reviewed!
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