Fans and stars react to Donna Kelce’s first Hallmark movie role

The most talked-about Hallmark Channel movie of the year — “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” starring Tyler Hynes and Hunter King — just added a surprise guest star to the cast, famous NFL mom Donna Kelce, and Hallmark fans — and stars — are thrilled.

Excitement surrounding Hallmark Media’s partnership with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs for the football-themed romantic comedy, set to premiere during the 15th annual Countdown to Christmas program, has been building since it was first announced on June 25, 2024.

Filming will take place in July in Kansas City, where Hallmark is headquartered. The film’s all-star cast includes seven-time Emmy nominee Ed Begley Jr., Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and several players, including offensive guard Trey Smith, receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive end George Karlaftis. On July 11, “Today Show” co-host Jenna Bush Hager revealed that she also has a role in the film.

But it’s the latest guest star announcement that has caused the most commotion among fans. On July 13, Hynes and King appeared in a social media video alongside Donna, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, to announce that she would also be appearing in the film. While many fans were thrilled with the big reveal, others declared that Donna’s casting was the last straw for them, stating that they refused to watch.

Donna Kelce Plays Diner Manager on Hallmark’s ‘Holiday Touchdown’

Donna will appear in “Holiday Touchdown” as the manager of a Kansas City BBQ restaurant called Norma & Nic’s, according to Deadline. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Donna, 71, was wearing a gold bracelet with the letters “TTPD” in the video announcement — an item available on Swift’s website in honor of her latest album, “The Tortured Poet’s Department.”

In addition to that video, Donna recorded a welcome message for Bush Hager with Hynes and King while they were on the set of her fake restaurant, filmed at Square Pizza in Independence, Missouri.

“The Today Show” aired the short story on July 15. When co-host Hoda Kotb saw it, he exclaimed, “What! I can’t believe Mama Kelce is in the movie!”

She wasn’t the only one happy about the news. Other Hallmark stars left celebratory comments on the announcement post, including Hynes’ dear friend and colleague Andrew Walker, who wrote, “Welcome to the @hallmarkchannel family @donnakelce ❤️ you’re in good hands with @tyler_hynes 🙌”

Rachel Boston, another Hallmark fan favorite, commented, “Oh my god!!!!! I love this SO much!!!!!! Mama Kelce ❤️❤️❤️”

“A+ casting 👏👏👏,” added Robert Buckley, who last appeared in April’s “Blind Date Book Club.”

Fans also flooded the post with excited comments, including one who wrote, “Mama Kelce in a Hallmark Christmas movie just makes sense. I couldn’t be more ready.”

“It just wouldn’t be right without Donna,” someone else commented.

Someone else added: “OMG I’m so excited for this!!!! Who doesn’t love Mama K 🙌😍”

Despite the warm welcome and excitement over Donna’s participation in the film, not all Hallmark fans are thrilled with her casting. Some say it has convinced them not to watch when “Holiday Touchdown” airs.

“As if I didn’t need more reasons NOT to watch this movie,” one critic wrote on Instagram.

Some of those seeking to explain their disappointment cited their loyalty to other NFL teams — and their resulting distaste for the Chiefs — while others hinted at irritation over all the attention paid to Travis and Taylor’s relationship.

Jenna Bush Hager wrote a note on Hallmark Set for Donna Kelce to give to Travis Kelce

Hallmark fans and Swifties are hoping Donna’s appearance on “Holiday Touchdown” means her son Travis will make an appearance, too.

On July 16, Bush Hager shared her experiences filming her role the day before in Kansas City, telling Today.com that she left a note for Donna’s Super Bowl-winning son.

According to the medium, when they met, Donna suggested, “You write a note and I’ll put it in Travis’ locker.”

So the mother of two picked up a pen and wrote, “Travis — You made my girls love soccer! Thank you for all you do! Come see Hoda + me! PS. Your mom is the coolest.”

At the Television Critics Association summer press conference on July 11, Daily Beast reporter Kevin Fallon wrote that when he asked Lara Krug, the Chiefs’ vice president and chief marketing officer, if Kelce would appear in the film, she smiled “evilly” and said, “I haven’t had a direct conversation yet, but he’s a big fan of the brand.”

Filming for “Holiday Touchdown” is expected to last through July 27.