Los Angeles Times

NFL on Christmas Day: Some of the most memorable games of the last 51 years

LOS ANGELES — The concept of playing an NFL game on Christmas Day sounded a lot better to Jay Feely when the schedule came out in the spring than it did as the holiday season approached. It was 2010, and Feely was kicking for the Arizona Cardinals, who were 5-10 and going nowhere. They were playing host to Dallas, likewise stuck in the mud at 5-10. “If you play or practice on Christmas ...
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher causes the Green Bay Packers' Donald Lee to fumble on Dec. 25, 2005, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

LOS ANGELES — The concept of playing an NFL game on Christmas Day sounded a lot better to Jay Feely when the schedule came out in the spring than it did as the holiday season approached.

It was 2010, and Feely was kicking for the Arizona Cardinals, who were 5-10 and going nowhere. They were playing host to Dallas, likewise stuck in the mud at 5-10.

“If you play or practice on Christmas morning, there’s always a little bit of ‘bah humbug’ to it,” said Feely, who kicked for seven NFL teams from 2001-14. “Because you grow up and Christmas morning is so special. You’re with your family, you open presents, you do the same type of things every year. Then I remember getting to college and you’re stuck there at bowl practice and you’re like, 'Well, this sucks.’ ”

Didn’t feel so bad, however, when “Mr. Missile Toe” nailed a 48-yard field goal with five seconds left to send the Cowboys packing, 27-26. Guess

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times11 min read
After Scandal, Movie Producer Randall Emmett Is Flying Under The Radar With A New Name
LOS ANGELES — On April 26, John Travolta debuted his latest film — “Cash Out,” an action thriller about a bank heist gone wrong. The trailer credits it as “a film by Ives.” “Cash Out” is the first and only project Ives has ever worked on, according t
Los Angeles Times4 min read
Andy Pages Caps Four-hit Night With A Walk-off Single In Dodgers’ Win Over Braves
LOS ANGELES — Two of the best teams in baseball convened at Chavez Ravine on Friday night, the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and NL East-leading Atlanta Braves opening a three-game series that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts promised
Los Angeles Times2 min read
Three Friends Drove From California To Mexico For A Surfing Trip. Then They Disappeared
MEXICO CITY — Last month, two brothers and one of their friends crossed from the United States into Mexico to explore Baja California's famous surf breaks. Pictures posted online by one of the brothers, Callum Robinson, 33, show the men gazing out at

Related