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The Greatest Christmas Day Game in Sports History

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The assertion that the Miami Dolphins versus Kansas City Chiefs game in the NFL Divisional Playoff on December 25, 1971, stands as the greatest professional sports contest ever played on Christmas Day is compelling because of its historic significance, extraordinary drama, and enduring legacy. More than just a football game, the “Christmas Day Classic” has become a symbol of athletic endurance and competitive will, setting a standard that few holiday matchups in any sport have rivaled.

First, the game’s historical context elevates its importance. It was the first NFL playoff game ever played on Christmas Day, marking a bold step for the league into holiday sports broadcasting. At a time when Christmas was traditionally reserved for family gatherings rather than professional football, this matchup captured national attention and demonstrated that the NFL could command the spotlight even on America’s most cherished holiday. The stakes were immense: a trip to the AFC Championship Game. That combination of novelty and consequence ensured the contest would be remembered long after the decorations came down.

Second, the game’s sheer drama and endurance make it legendary. The Dolphins and Chiefs battled for 82 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, making it the longest game in NFL history at the time, stretching into double overtime. Neither team could pull away, and every possession felt decisive. Fans watched as players pushed through exhaustion, injuries, and the emotional weight of a holiday playoff. When Garo Yepremian finally kicked the winning field goal to give Miami a 27–24 victory, it felt less like the end of a game and more like the conclusion of an epic test of will.

Third, the level of talent on the field underscores why this contest transcends ordinary holiday games. The matchup featured future Hall of Famers and iconic figures such as Dolphins coach Don Shula and Chiefs coach Hank Stram, along with standout players who defined an era of football. The strategic battle between two great coaches and the execution by elite athletes added layers of quality to the spectacle. This was not simply a novelty game played on Christmas; it was top-tier professional football at its highest level.

Moreover, the legacy of the 1971 Dolphins–Chiefs game continues to shape how fans and media view Christmas Day sports. While the NBA has since made Christmas a marquee date filled with high-profile matchups, and the NFL has returned to scheduling games on the holiday, none have quite matched the mythic status of this playoff duel. The phrase “longest game ever” still evokes images of that frigid Kansas City night, when families delayed Christmas dinners and gathered around televisions, united by the drama unfolding on the field.

When considering everything mentioned above, the Miami Dolphins versus Kansas City Chiefs game on December 25, 1971, earns its place as the greatest Christmas Day game in professional sports because it combined historical firsts, unforgettable drama, elite competition, and a lasting cultural impact. It was not merely a contest played on a holiday; it became part of the holiday’s sporting identity. Decades later, it remains the benchmark against which all Christmas Day games are measured, a testament to the power of sport to create timeless moments—even on Christmas.

A Quick History of the First Slam Dunk Contest(s)

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Did you know there were two “first-ever” slam dunk contests in the history of professional basketball?

The first first-ever NBA Slam Dunk Contest took place during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, not in the NBA itself. It was held in Denver, Colorado, as a way to showcase the flashier style of play that the ABA was known for before it merged with the NBA. The NBA then officially introduced their first-ever contest in 1984 during All-Star Weekend, also in the city in Denver. Both contests played a huge role in making dunking an essential part of basketball culture.

Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s free-throw line dunk in the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most iconic and influential dunks in basketball history. It was a defining moment that cemented dunking as an art form and set the stage for future high-flyers like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Zach LaVine. For that reason alone, the ABA’s first-ever dunk contest is more significant than the NBA’s first effort (even though a 34-year-old Dr. J performed the same dunk in that one as well). However, it’s unquestionable that once Michael Jordan started participating, the NBA took dunk contests to a whole other level.  

Key Moments of the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest:

  • Julius “Dr. J” Erving won the contest with his iconic free-throw line dunk, which later inspired future dunkers like Michael Jordan.
  • Other participants included David Thompson, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, and Larry Kenon.
  • The contest was not a head-to-head elimination format, but rather a point-based system where each player attempted five dunks.
  • Dr. J’s free-throw line dunk was the highlight, as it was the first time a player had attempted such a dunk in a major event.

Key Moments of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (1984)

  • Larry Nance won, defeating Julius Erving in the final round.
  • Nance introduced the two-ball dunk, where he dunked two basketballs in one leap.
  • The contest was structured as a head-to-head elimination tournament.

Now, go forth and conquer (slam dunk videos on YouTube.com we mean).

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FSM Editorial: COVID & Angels

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With COVID-19 forcing people to social distance, our country’s beloved national parks have received a much-needed boost in foot traffic. One of these parks offers a healthy dose of danger and excitement and is more accessible than you might think…

Angels Landing located at Zion National Park in Utah is perhaps the most semi-famous hike in the United States. Many hikers I’ve encountered during my travels have “kind of” heard of it. Common responses are, “That’s the one with the big walls right?” or “The one where people always fall off and die?” My answer to these and similar questions is usually, “Well…kinda.”

Anyone in half decent shape shouldn’t have trouble completing this hike. There is nothing overly strenuous about this trail. The switchbacks leading up to the final leg of the trail are steep but they are also paved which is extremely helpful (not to mention a rarity on this kind of trek).  This section is affectionately known as Walton’s Wiggles. As you hike up the wiggles, you will have solid canyon wall to your left.  To your right, you will have a sliver of a view of the bigger canyon you find yourself in. Depending on the time of day, you will see a different mix of orange, red, and maroon in the rocks with random greenery sprinkled throughout. An avid hiker would probably spend no more than 60 minutes completing this trail through the end of Walton’s Wiggles.

The WW switchbacks lead to a narrow trail that eventually ascends like a staircase to the point of the trail known as Scout’s Lookout. This is where first timers will have an initial glimpse of the behemoth they are about to take on. This is also where people usually start thinking about turning back. I mentioned earlier that this hike is not strenuous which is true. The emotional component to completing this hike cannot be understated however. When you are standing on Scout’s Lookout, gazing at the thin strip of trail that leads up to Angel’s Landing, looking at the thousands of feet of drop-off on each side, there is a good chance your nerves will make the decision of quitting or going on for you. Don’t make a hasty decision though. Use the random outhouse at the lookout if you need a second to compose yourself. Take reassurance knowing that the number of people who have died trying to reach the top is not even in double digits. My point is that’s an extremely low number.

Admittedly, there are a few spots on the way to the top of Angels Landing that could use some chains. But the final portion of trail is well constructed and safe overall. Hold on to the chains whenever available, watch where you step, and resist the urge to take in the scenery until you summit. Once you make it to the top, there is plenty of space to relax safely and admire the beautiful views: giant walls of multi colored rock on both sides with a river curving its way through the canyon floor.

Don’t let any initial fears at Scout’s Lookout prevent you from completing this hike. If you exercise caution and respect your environment, you should be fine. The payoff for crossing the finish line is twofold. You get treated to unimaginable views that few will ever see form that vantage point and you gain the satisfaction of completing what most consider a daunting task. The trail is properly named. If a landing strip for angels really exists in Utah, there is good chance this is it.