Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown Voices Discontent Over Christmas Day Game
DETROIT, Mich. — As the Detroit Lions prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown expressed his candid feelings about playing on major holidays. Speaking on his “St. Brown Podcast” alongside his brother Equanimeous, St. Brown revealed that he is not a fan of Christmas Day games, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in such scheduling.
“The two biggest holidays I feel like in the United States, we played on both of them,” St. Brown said, referencing both Thanksgiving and Christmas. “And I don’t even have kids yet. If I had kids, I’d be even more pissed. Like, you can’t be spending it with your family, get to see your kids open gifts. I feel like that’s something that a lot of parents love to see and can’t wait for. I don’t even like it, and I’m not even a f—ing father yet.”
Playing on Thanksgiving has become a tradition for the Lions, but Christmas Day games add another layer of challenge, especially with the team traveling to Minneapolis for the matchup. St. Brown noted the added difficulty of travel during the holiday season, saying, “Us traveling, it’s like, damn.”
Despite his reservations, St. Brown remains committed to the team, having signed a four-year, $120 million extension last year. However, the physical toll is apparent as he is currently managing a knee injury sustained during the Lions’ recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Officially listed as questionable, he is expected to play barring any pregame setbacks.
The Lions are in a precarious position as they enter Week 17, needing to win their final two games and rely on the Green Bay Packers to lose both to secure a playoff berth. The pressure mounts after a controversial call nullified St. Brown’s late touchdown against the Steelers, a moment that could have shifted their playoff trajectory.
St. Brown’s remarks shed light on the human side of professional athletes who often sacrifice personal and family time during the holidays to fulfill demanding schedules. The NFL’s tradition of holiday games, while popular among fans and broadcasters, continues to be a point of contention for players balancing career and family.
For more on the NFL schedule and player perspectives, visit the National Football League official site. Information on player health and injury reports can be found at the NFL Players Association. For updates on the Lions’ playoff chances and standings, the NFL Standings page provides comprehensive data. Fans interested in the broader impact of holiday sports scheduling may consult the USA.gov holiday resources for context on national observances and their cultural significance.
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