THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: The game that almost wouldn't end — on a day games shouldn't be played

With Christmas just two days away, this is my last chance to chat with you before the holiday.

I’ve got a special memory to share, and then a message that’s, well …

It’s just a thought that I’m hoping maybe you’ll remember.

Before that, though, let me take you back to 1971 — and my first real never-forget-it day as a kid reporter.

Sticking with our theme, it was Christmas day, and the big sports event was the AFC divisional playoff game between Kansas City and Miami.

Make no mistake …

This was a heavyweight match: The teams eventually combined to place 14 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame — along with coaches Don Shula and Hank Stram.

These were the Chiefs of Len Dawson and Buck Buchanan, facing the Dolphins (who would go undefeated just one year later) of Bob Griese, Paul Warfield and Larry Csonka.

JUST TWO seasons previously, the Chiefs had won Super Bowl IV, basically dominating the Minnesota Vikings in a 23-7 victory that was the final game before the NFL and AFL made their merger official.

In other words, there was talent everywhere when the Dolphins visited Kansas City’s historic Municipal Stadium on Christmas of 1971.

Plus, a wide-eyed young journalist from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

In those days, most stadiums had no particular accommodations for the media, and you had to shoulder your way through unruly fans to reach the field — and more importantly, the dressing rooms.

The NFL solved the problem by allowing journalists access to the sidelines during most of the fourth quarter.

Except …

That day, festivities went FAR beyond regulation time, principally because Chiefs Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud missed a 31-yard chip shot at the end of the fourth quarter – the only truly important kick on which the Norwegian star failed in his 19-year career.

"TO THIS day, I don't really understand why I missed that kick," Stenerud said years later in an NFL Films documentary of that game.

"It's a very painful, hurtful thing because you not only disappoint yourself, but you cost the team a chance to go further into the playoffs.

“So, you let down the team and coaches and millions of fans. It's tough to take, and I feel totally responsible for missing that kick."

Stenerud’s shocking miss, just a yard or so to the right, sent the game on what seemed like an endless path, with neither defense cracking drive after drive.

The old stadium had a unique set-up, with both benches on one side to allow for more seating.

Players could hear shouts back and forth, from both teammates and opponents.

Meanwhile …

The teams struggled, fighting exhaustion, through a tense extra quarter and into a SECOND extra period …

I was surrounded by players on both teams as I wandered the sideline.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that everyone there, and probably most fans watching at home, were gripped by the tension as we waited for a score that would end this marathon.

At one point, Chiefs running back Ed Podolak turned to Miami linebacker Nick Buoniconti and said: “Do you think this will ever end?”

THE BATTLE rolled into a sixth quarter, and Csonka recalled the physical toll.

"I lost like 18 pounds that day," he said. “I lost so much weight that my pants were loose."

It was Csonka, though, who made the game’s critical play, rumbling 29 yards into Chiefs territory.

That run set up a 37-yard field goal by Garo Yepremian, handing Miami a 27-24 victory after 82 minutes and 40 seconds — still the longest game in pro football history.

I recall being bumped and jostled by jubilant Dolphins when that kick cleared the crossbar, handing this young team its first-ever playoff win.

It was dark and cold by then, well into the night.

For a while afterward, that playoff struggle was called “The Burnt Turkey Game,” a reference to all the Christmas dinners that were spoiled by the overtimes.

IN FACT, for several years afterward the NFL didn’t play any games on Christmas due to public pushback — but like every other decision that involves money, the league went back to scheduling games on Dec. 25.

Just like it’s any other day.

Those same Dolphins are hosting Green Bay on Christmas this year, one of several NFL games that afternoon.

And while we’re on the subject …

I mentioned at the beginning that I wanted to share a message.

It’s pretty simple: I don’t think we should be playing pro or college sports events on Christmas.

Or on Thanksgiving (as I’ve written previously).

To me, those days have different, more important meanings — and one thing they have in common is family togetherness.

The rest of the world is sports crazy, too, but you don’t see events scheduled on national or religious holidays.

It’s the right thing.

I wish we could follow that lead.

Email: [email protected]

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday through Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”

Stay safe, and have a happy Christmas!