There have been some of the most historic sports games played on holidays, especially on Christmas. The first radio broadcasted game and the longest football game ever are just two history making events that occurred in the NFL’s Christmas Day games. The first radio broadcasted professional football game occurred on Christmas in 1934 with the Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears game, resulting in the Lions winning.
On Christmas in 1971, the Chiefs and the Dolphins played the longest football game in history. The game finished with both teams being tied 24-24 sending the game into overtime. During the first overtime, neither team scored so they had to play a second overtime and halfway through the second overtime, the Dolphins kicked a 37 yard field goal to win the game 27-24. The game ended up lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds. Because this game took so long, it caused the NFL to not schedule a game on Christmas again until 1989, 17 seasons later.
One of the most historic NBA basketball games also occurred on Christmas Night. In 2004, Kobe Bryant and Shaq O’Neal played against each other for the first time after playing on the Lakers together. This was an intense game that resulted in O’Neal getting sent to the bench after fouling out, leaving the game tied 91-91, and going into overtime. The game ended with the Heat winning 104-102, due to Bryant missing a 3-pointer at the end of the game.
Sports teams are in action and setting new records even during the holidays.
Lydia Perez - Sports Editor