Detroit Lions, Alex Anzalone Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

One Lions player sounds off on NFL's Christmas Day schedule call

Originally posted on Side Lion Report | By Ryan Heckman | Last updated May 14, 2025 1:54 PM ET

As the Detroit Lions' 2025 schedule was slowly leaked and ultimately. released, fans got an early chance to see where a few key matchups would fall on the calendar ahead of time.

The NFL made a couple of polarizing decisions when it came to some big games for the Lions, too, including them on the Thanksgiving Day slate. That's one holiday the Lions won't be able to fully devote to their families as the team takes on the Green Bay Packers at home.

But, it didn't stop there. The Lions will also reportedly play on Christmas Day and in another divisional tilt.

The latest schedule leak has the Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings in the Twin Cities on December 25, and one Lions player is not too happy about the announcement.

Alex Anzalone made his feelings clear about the Lions playing on Christmas Day

After hearing the news of Detroit going on the road for Christmas, linebacker Alex Anzalone took to social media to react.

breaks my heart https://t.co/m1L17GYlPK
— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) May 14, 2025

The 30-year-old veteran has two young children, so this reaction is completely justified.

While some fans might have interpreted this as a potential shot against the Vikings (the Lions were 2-0 against Minnesota last year) it was very likely in reference to the idea that he will be unable to spend Christmas at home with his family.

This will mark the Lions' first game on Christmas Day since 1999. Oddly enough, both of their previous Christmas Day games were losses to the Denver Broncos (the other one in 1994).

At least Detroit gets a chance to put an end to that drought with a win over the Vikings, this year.

Thus far, the drama seems to be building higher than ever within the NFC North. We have seen some intriguing matchups already announced for the 2025 season, and this Christmas Day contest is just one more chapter in what's sure to be a thrilling campaign.

This article first appeared on Side Lion Report and was syndicated with permission.

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