Hallmark Movie Stars Praise Chicago Bears' 'Extraordinary' Presence in New Film

The stars of Hallmark Channel's "Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story" have lauded the "extraordinary" involvement of the Chicago Bears in the new film, which marks the third installment in the network's collaboration with the NFL.

Marsha Mason, who plays the matchmaking grandmother Darlene in the movie, described the experience of working alongside current and former Bears players and staff as entering a "different world." She noted their "naturalness" and ability to respond and relate within the scenes, calling it "really exciting."

"Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story" centers on freelance journalist Avery (Lyndsy Fonseca) and firefighter Matt (Robert Buckley), whose romance is encouraged by Matt's grandmother, a devoted Bears fan on the verge of attending her 500th game. The film features cameos from Bears players like Colston Loveland and former player Dan Hampton.

Robert Buckley, who plays Matt, highlighted the synergy between Hallmark movies and the NFL, suggesting it provides an entry point for fans of either who might not typically engage with the other. "When I first heard about the Hallmark and NFL joint production... I had that moment where I was like, ‘How has this not been done 20 years ago?’ It makes so much sense," Buckley said. "Because Hallmark movies bring people together, the NFL brings people together."

Lyndsy Fonseca echoed this sentiment, stating, "Your love for the holidays, your love for sports, families coming together, watching together, a little bit of something for everyone." She also noted the lack of stereotypical tropes in their characters' relationship, describing it as an "honest kind of meet-cute."

Beyond the football ties, the actors shared their culinary experiences while filming in Chicago. Buckley enthusiastically recommended the city's tavern-style pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. "The way I like to experience cities is by eating my way through them, and Chicago was heaven for me," he said. He specifically cited Zarella for tavern-style pizza and Mr. Beef, Al's, and Portillo's for Italian beef sandwiches.

However, the stars were less impressed with Chicago's signature liqueur, Malört. "Pretty gross," Fonseca remarked, with Mason agreeing it was "terrible" and "tough tasting."

Buckley described Malört as "like if Jäger had a cousin," a sentiment echoed by Mason, who compared its taste to a medicinal digestif.

Filming also offered a glimpse into the realities of a firetruck. Mason described the experience as "terrible" due to the cramped space, equipment, and heat. "He had to literally pick me up and put me down. I couldn’t even step down, it’s so high. It’s crazy," she said of getting out of the vehicle.

The film also served as a reunion for Buckley and Barbara Alyn Woods, who played Avery's mother. Both actors previously starred in "One Tree Hill" but never crossed paths on that series. "We never crossed paths on One Tree Hill, so we only get to see each other at conventions," Buckley explained. "Then right after I had signed on to this movie, about two days later, I just woke up to a text from her saying, ‘If you were to do a Christmas movie with any member of the One Tree Hill cast, who would you want it to be?’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God, no way.’"

The cast also welcomed non-actors, including two winners from a Bears Care Auction and two Bears Care donors. "They didn’t need tips, no. It was so great to have their energy there," Fonseca said of their on-screen debut.

Regarding future installments, Buckley expressed hope for a sequel with the Bears, a sentiment echoed by Fonseca. Mason added that the team is an "extraordinary organization" and their "gung ho" participation made the filming process more enjoyable.

"Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story" began streaming on Hallmark+ on October 18.