Packers coach Matt LaFleur reveals harsh NFL reality of working on Christmas: 'On the naughty list'

Christmas is traditionally a time for family, celebration, and a pause from the routine of work. For many people, the holiday is a cherished opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with loved ones, exchange gifts, and reflect on the year. For NFL coaches, however, the holiday schedule is rarely forgiving, and this year, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur provided a candid, humorous, and telling glimpse into just how challenging it can be to balance professional duties with personal life during the festive season.

LaFleur, speaking to reporters in the days leading up to Christmas 2025, quipped that he did not expect any presents from his wife because he was “on the naughty list” this year. The remark, delivered with his characteristic humor, was a lighthearted acknowledgment that his focus on football and dedication to the Packers has taken precedence over holiday traditions. While meant as a joke, the comment resonated with many observers as a frank recognition of the demanding nature of professional coaching in the NFL.

For LaFleur, the Packers are in a critical phase of the season. As teams jockey for playoff positions and contend with injuries, fatigue, and high expectations from both fans and ownership, the pressure on head coaches is relentless. Games do not pause for holidays, and crucial decisions must be made on short notice, often requiring long hours of preparation, film study, player meetings, and strategic planning. Missing a family dinner or a festive gathering is almost inevitable when the calendar aligns with the NFL’s rigorous schedule. LaFleur’s “naughty list” comment captures that reality in a relatable and amusing way, turning what could be perceived as a sacrifice into a shared joke with the media.

The life of an NFL coach is built around discipline, commitment, and endurance, both mentally and physically. Unlike many professions that allow for breaks during major holidays, NFL coaches face a season that peaks precisely during the winter months. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, teams play crucial games, and coaches must maintain peak performance and leadership, often sacrificing personal and family time. LaFleur’s remark reflects this pattern, acknowledging that the responsibilities of leading a professional football team often supersede the traditional celebrations of December.

Beyond the humor, LaFleur’s comments also underscore the human dimension of professional sports leadership. Coaches are public figures, but they are also parents, spouses, and community members. The tension between professional duty and personal life is a recurring challenge, particularly during high-stakes periods like late December. Missing family meals, gift exchanges, and festive moments is part of the job, and LaFleur’s acknowledgment of this reality — framed with wit — humanizes him to fans and media alike. It demonstrates that even top-tier professionals experience the trade-offs inherent in a demanding career.

LaFleur’s lighthearted commentary also speaks to the culture of the NFL, where humor is often used as a coping mechanism. Coaches and players alike rely on levity to manage stress, maintain morale, and foster team cohesion in high-pressure environments. Jokes about being “on the naughty list” or missing out on holiday cheer offer an approachable lens through which the public can understand the sacrifices required in professional football. In interviews, LaFleur emphasized that while the comment was playful, it reflected a truth about his dedication to his team and the challenges of balancing work and home life during the season.

Fans, journalists, and fellow coaches have long recognized the relentless nature of NFL schedules, but LaFleur’s framing adds a personal and seasonal touch. By linking his work obligations to the widely understood cultural reference of Santa’s naughty list, he creates an accessible analogy that conveys both humor and reality. It is a reminder that behind the glitz, televised games, and strategic decisions are individuals navigating complex lives and high expectations, often under intense scrutiny.

The Packers’ current season, like any NFL campaign, demands vigilance, preparation, and flexibility. LaFleur’s “naughty list” remark hints at the broader sacrifices he makes: spending nights reviewing opponent film, mornings in team meetings, and weekends traveling or coaching rather than enjoying traditional holiday activities. These choices, while necessary for professional success, highlight the invisible labor and personal compromises required to lead a competitive football franchise.

Ultimately, LaFleur’s commentary achieves multiple purposes: it entertains, it informs, and it humanizes. While fans may see only the results of the Packers’ performance on the field, his remarks offer a peek into the personal costs of coaching, reminding audiences that even in the high-profile world of professional sports, the pressures of work and the joys of the holiday season often collide. The “naughty list” metaphor captures this tension perfectly, conveying sacrifice, humor, and humility in a single phrase.

For the Packers organization and its supporters, LaFleur’s holiday quip underscores the dedication of leadership and the reality of professional sports during the holiday season. It serves as a gentle reminder that behind every game-winning play or strategic adjustment is a human being juggling responsibilities, relationships, and the very real desire to celebrate with family. In LaFleur’s case, being on the naughty list may be temporary, but the dedication it represents reflects the enduring commitment necessary to succeed in the NFL.