Jerry Jones stands firm in his quest to bring NFL games to Christmas Day permanently, fueled by high viewer ratings and a desire to create a new holiday tradition. While players raise concerns and the NBA worries about audience competition, Jones remains undeterred. Will his vision for Christmas become a reality?
Jones’s Holiday Vision
Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, advocates for the NFL’s expansion of Christmas Day games. He believes that this move would increase viewer enthusiasm and ratings. During a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones reiterated his position, emphasizing that the NFL should play on Christmas, irrespective of which day of the week it falls.
The NFL has already taken steps in this direction with a three-year agreement with Netflix for Christmas Day doubleheaders. Jones sees this as an opportunity to parallel Thanksgiving traditions by establishing games as a holiday staple. However, playing games on Christmas Day could conflict with traditional scheduling and pose logistical challenges, especially when the holiday falls outside typical game days.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones lobbies for NFL Christmas Day games to continue on annual basis https://t.co/BQvZJOxyal
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 25, 2024
Player and Public Concerns
Players and associations have raised valid issues regarding the proposed Christmas games. Star athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Ben Roethlisberger have expressed worries about player safety. Playing multiple games within a short time might lead to injuries, which has led to criticism that the NFL prioritizes profits over athletes’ well-being.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is preparing to negotiate higher compensation for participants in Christmas Day games. The increased frequency and intensity of games could contribute to higher wear and tear on the athletes. This discussion will undoubtedly play a critical role in the future of holiday football scheduling.
Would NFL play Christmas Day games on a Tuesday? Cowboys owner Jerry Jones weighs in https://t.co/lOL38c4nhC
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) December 24, 2024
Competing for Holiday Viewership
The NBA, a long-time fixture on Christmas Day, expresses concerns about competing for holiday viewers. The prospect of sharing the holiday limelight with the NFL might change audience dynamics. Despite these concerns, Jones remains optimistic about his vision and is not deterred by competition with other sports.
With Jerry Jones at the helm, the push for Christmas Day games is more than a fleeting thought. He insists that “Christmas Day is Christmas Day, and it doesn’t wait around for what day it’s on.” The coming years will reveal if Jones’s aspiration for an NFL Christmas tradition will materialize and coexist with existing celebrations.
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