Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has openly expressed his frustration with the NFL’s decision to schedule a Christmas Day game, saying it takes away from valuable family time during one of the most important holidays of the year.

The Lions are already synonymous with holiday football, having played on Thanksgiving Day every year since 1934, a tradition that has become a staple of the NFL calendar. However, during the 2024 season, Detroit is also scheduled to play on Christmas Day, traveling to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Speaking on The St. Brown Podcast alongside his brother, St. Brown made it clear he is unhappy about having to suit up on Christmas rather than spend the day with loved ones.

“The two biggest holidays in the United States, I feel like, are Thanksgiving and Christmas — and we played on both of them,” St. Brown said. “I don’t even have kids yet. If I had kids, I’d be even more upset.”

The Lions star emphasized how meaningful Christmas morning is for families, especially parents who look forward to watching their children open presents.

“You can’t spend it with your family. You don’t get to see your kids open gifts,” St. Brown added. “That’s something a lot of parents love and can’t wait for.”

While the NFL continues to expand its holiday slate in pursuit of larger audiences and broadcast deals, St. Brown’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among players who feel that Christmas Day games come at the expense of family traditions.

Despite his frustrations, St. Brown remains a key part of the Lions’ offense as Detroit pushes through the final stretch of the season — even if it means spending Christmas on the road instead of at home.