Charles Barkley calls out NFL, Roger Goodell over Christmas Day games

by: Daniel Hager 9 hours ago DanielHagerOn3

For the sixth consecutive year, the NFL has taken over Christmas Day.

Christmas games in the NFL have become a new tradition, beginning in 2020 with Alvin Kamara ‘s six touchdown performance in the New Orleans Saints’ 52-33 win over the Minnesota Vikings. One game turned into two games, and eventually three games in 2022. The 2025 season marks the fourth year of three NFL games on Christmas Day.

The NFL completely stole the NBA’s spotlight with the move, as it had played games every Christmas Day since 1947. While the NFL has three games on the holiday, the NBA has five.

Prior to tip-off in the opening game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, Charles Barkley lambasted the NFL and Roger Goodell for taking over Christmas Day.

“(NBA games on Christmas) are tremendous because you’ve got five games and there’s nobody else playing,” Barkley said. “Well, you know, the NFL got greedy and started adding Christmas games. We used to have this day to ourselves, but Roger Goodell and them pigs at the NFL want to hog every day of the week now.”

“I saw those guys yesterday on ESPN talking about, and they’re right, Christmas is an NBA day. That is it. Roger Goodell trying to hog everyday of the week, and they got Saturday now too. On Friday too. Stay in your lane Roger.”

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