Netflix Redesigns the Big, Puffy Santa Jackets It Gives to Christmas Day NFL Game MVPs (Exclusive)

Ho-ho— whoa, those are some big red jackets. Then again, Netflix doesn’t do anything small, including its Christmas Day NFL rights.

On Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, Netflix will again host a pair of NFL games, a tradition started just last year. First up is the Dallas Cowboys at the Washington Commanders, an NFC East rivalry game with exactly zero playoff implications — both teams are already eliminated from postseason contention. Next is the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North face-off (with a Snoop Dogg-headlined halftime show). The Lions have a cub-sized chance of making the NFL Playoffs; maybe next year, Vikings.

That doesn’t mean everyone’s playing for nothing on Thursday. As recent Christmas lore foretells, the day’s game MVPs get glory, global exposure and big, red Santa Claus jackets. In 2024, those coats were “Mo Money, Mo Problems”-shiny, with the NFL shield and crisscrossed candy canes on the left breast and a giant Netflix “N” logo on the right.

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce famously earned — and modeled — the winter-wear last year. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, who actually have some chill, wore the jackets after their own “W.” You probably didn’t see them all over your Instagram though. All four were gifted the jackets, though it is unclear if they were taken home. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell donned one in May at Netflix’s upfront event — he was probably pretty toasty — a few extras were made then, The Hollywood Reporter is told, and a few extra have been made now. Just by a different dude.

This year, the jackets are getting a softer, less swishy redesign courtesy of Nigel Xavier, winner of Netflix’s Next in Fashion season two — the original jackets were designed in-house at Netflix — though the giant logos are still there! For 2025, sustainability is the name of the game: Xavier created the new coats from old Santa jackets. That’s kinda Nigel’s thing anyway.

Xavier, who played a little high school ball, is known for upcycling old materials — he was the perfect guy for the job. Xavier earned a B.F.A. in Fashion from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta in 2016. He counts Gigi Hadid among his celebrity clients — and soon, a pair of contractually obligated stars from either the Lions or Vikings, and the Cowboys or Commanders.

Xavier told THR that seeing Kelce and Mahomes frat-boying–out in the jackets at the height of their mainstream popularity “felt like a cultural moment that brought fun and joy to fans during the holidays.”

“I have a lot of respect for all the players and their dedication,” Xavier said. “Seeing my work on any of the players will be an honor.”

The size of a guy like Kelce plus full football pads means you gotta go XXXXL on your designs; Xavier says it “took two Santa suits” to make each of his jackets. Cool man, but, like, you’re a real designer — how do you really feel about putting a gaudy Netflix “N” on the breast of your labors?

“I’m honored to add the Netflix logo! This is not a branded or commercial moment for me, it’s a celebration of my journey,” Xavier said. “From growing up and playing football, to pivoting to fashion design and being recognized for my work repurposing clothes. I’m now  being trusted to design these jackets for Netflix and the NFL which will be shown to millions around the world, it feels like a full-circle moment.”

We told you he was the right guy for the gig.

See Xavier’s handiwork in the photos below, which are exclusive to THR: