For a long time, even when it fell on a Sunday, Christmas Day was mostly the NBA's domain when it came to sports. But the NFL's never-ending pursuit of every last dollar it can get has shifted that in recent years, and once again there will be three games on Christmas Day this year-two on Netflix and one on Amazon Prime.
The middle game of the day will of course have the Detroit Lions traveling to take on the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions have played on Christmas Day twice before, losing to the Miami Dolphins on the road in 1994 and at home to the Denver Broncos in 1999.
Not that anyone will feel sorry for them, but playing a Christmas game means players and coaches will have limited time with their families during the holiday. For those who have young children, it can be a good bit tougher.
Penei Sewell has something he can channel for Christmas Day game
Offensive tackle Penei Sewell is one of those Lions' players who has young children, three to be exact. A week out from the game against the Vikings, he talked to Kory Woods of MLive about his Christmas traditions and the importance of the holiday to his family. He also made his feelings about having to play on Christmas absolutely clear.
"I’m going to be brutally honest. I’m not happy,” Sewell said.“We already have Thanksgiving. We already play on Thanksgiving, and the fact that we have to play on Christmas (and) away, is something I wouldn’t want to do. So yeah, not fun, but it is what it is. It comes with the job. I’m going to do it.”
READ MORE: Alex Anzalone is fully acknowledging the inevitable about his future in Detroit
Like Sewell said, playing on holidays "comes with the job" and he'll do it without further comment. But it's also worth wondering, as Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit hinted, about the power players might have if more of them spoke out like Sewell did about playing on, especially, Christmas.
Not that he ever needs any more motivation, but Sewell now has something extra he can take to the field against the Vikings on Christmas Day. In fact, the Lions coaching staff is probably hoping he finds a way to channel those feelings into a healthy competitive rage for a game the team has to win.