For Pete's Sake

Lead actor in Chiefs Hallmark movie shares how idea for movie came together

Kansas City Chiefs fans cheer after the playing of the national anthem before a Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs fans cheer after the playing of the national anthem before a Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City. ecuriel@kcstar.com

The Chiefs’ first foray into the world of Hallmark movies actually came in January.

Ahead of the playoffs, the Chiefs put together a trailer for a fictional movie called “Falling For Football.” It starred Tyler Hynes, and it was shot in Kansas City.

That was a hit with KC fans, who a month later saw the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII. The on-field success, movie trailer and, yes, romance between Chiefs star Travis Kelce and superstar singer Taylor Swift paved the way for something bigger.

Hallmark currently is filming a movie in Kansas City called “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” This also stars Hynes.

“The whole thing happened pretty quick,” Hynes told Heavy.com. “Because of this sudden spark that was lit with the postseason commercial we shot last season. And since that moment, that’s when the conversations really began to happen. And here we are.”

“We love them,” Hynes said of Kelce and Swift. “Their love story has obviously ignited a big reaction in all the different sort of fandoms around the world. I think it’s just the kind of perfect timing for all the above. Hallmark being what is, Chiefs being who they are, Trav and Taylor being so in love. We’re all here for it.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, defensive end George Karlaftis and guard Trey Smith also will be in the movie. Ditto for Donna Kelce, the mother of Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

Could we see Kelce, who has started an acting career, in the movie? Perhaps.

Actress Hunter King said more players will be added to the cast in the future.

“There are some others that have not been announced yet,” King told Heavy. “There are fun ones coming up that we’re excited about.”

Hynes said a rom-com involving the NFL’s best team has generated a lot excitement.

“We’re seeing a lot of people converge on both sides who you wouldn’t think were either fans of football, or fans of romance,” Hynes told Heavy, “coming out of their shells and really voicing how excited they are that they have something that they can call their own, and be a part of something new.”

This story was originally published July 16, 2024 at 11:04 AM.

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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