Detroit Lions players Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell raised eyebrows with their candid remarks about the NFL’s decision to schedule games on both Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025. For many, holidays are sacred, filled with family gatherings and cherished moments. Yet, for St. Brown and Sewell, the calendar brings the weight of professional obligations.

St. Brown shared his frustration on his podcast, emphasizing the conflict between his role as a player and his desire to spend precious time with family during major holidays. “The two biggest holidays I feel like in the United States, we played on both of them,” he lamented. His comments reflect a deeper sentiment that resonates with many who balance work and family life. The NFL has a long tradition of games on Thanksgiving, but adding Christmas complicates things, especially for players like St. Brown, who empathizes with fathers missing cherished family moments. “If I had kids, I’d be even more pissed,” he noted, tapping into the emotional toll of being away from home during a time that many families prioritize for intimacy and bonding.

Sewell joined the conversation, expressing his discontent about having to play on Christmas away against the Minnesota Vikings. “I’m going to be brutally honest. I’m not happy,” he stated plainly. His response reflects a broader perspective among players who feel the pressure of maintaining a professional demeanor while wrestling with personal desires. Despite the challenges, Sewell accepted his fate with a sense of resignation, stating, “It comes with the job. I’m going to do it.” This line underscores the inherent conflict in being a professional athlete—performing at an elite level while sacrificing personal time.

The reactions to their comments on social media have been mixed. Some supporters voice understanding of their plight. One user noted, “Just because he’s paid a lot doesn’t mean he likes to work.” This sentiment captures the struggle many feel when time with family collides with job demands. It’s a tension that resonates across various professions—how to honor family commitments while fulfilling professional responsibilities.

However, there are also voices that dismiss the concerns of these athletes as entitled. A tweet criticized St. Brown’s discontent: “Seriously ridiculous… it’s cartoony and insulting to complain about playing on Christmas or Thanksgiving.” This perspective highlights a common view that athletes, due to their lucrative contracts, should expect to make sacrifices without complaint. Yet, considering the emotional weight of holidays, the criticism overlooks the very human experience of wanting to connect with family.

The broader conversation about sports scheduling brings into focus the NFL’s priorities; it often prioritizes game ratings and fan engagement over players’ personal lives. As the league continues to expand its scheduling footprint, including high-stakes matchups on cherished holidays, players like St. Brown and Sewell will likely continue to voice their concerns. Their frustrations serve as a reminder that behind the glitz of professional sports lies a world of human emotions shaped by family, duty, and the quest for personal fulfillment.