On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, three of music’s most distinctive voices will take center stage during the NFL’s most cherished tradition — halftime at the league’s annual holiday games. Post Malone, Jack White, and Lil Jon will each deliver high-energy performances across the three nationally televised games, blending football fandom with cultural moments that feel deeply personal to their cities. The twist? This isn’t just about star power — it’s about roots.
Post Malone: A Dallas Homecoming
For Post Malone, performing at AT&T Stadium isn’t just a gig — it’s a homecoming. Born Austin Richard Post in Syracuse, New York, he moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, at age nine, where his father, Wes Post, managed concessions for the Dallas Cowboys. He grew up in the shadow of the team’s legacy, attending games with his dad, singing along to the fight song, and watching legends like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Now, he’ll be the one lighting up the field. His set will include hits from beerbongs & bentleys and Hollywood’s Bleeding, but the real emotional anchor? A partnership with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff, turning his performance into a live fundraising moment. That’s not just entertainment — it’s legacy-building.Jack White: Detroit’s Own, With Eminem in the Wings
In Detroit, the spotlight shines brightest on Jack White. A native son, 12-time Grammy winner, and co-founder of The White Stripes, he’s the rare artist whose sound is inseparable from the city’s industrial grit and blues soul. But here’s the deeper layer: Eminem — Marshall Bruce Mathers III, another Detroit icon — is now executive producer of the Detroit Lions’ halftime show through 2027, working alongside manager Paul Rosenberg. White’s selection isn’t just a nod to local pride — it’s the first official act of a new era. For years, Lions fans saw performances from Big Sean and Mike Posner, but now, the team is tapping into Detroit’s cultural capital with the precision of a record label. White’s set will likely lean into his raw, guitar-driven anthems — think "Seven Nation Army" or "Lazaretto" — turning Ford Field into a rock cathedral.Lil Jon: The Baltimore Beat
While Dallas and Detroit lean into nostalgia and legacy, Baltimore gets the energy upgrade. Lil Jon, the Grammy-winning producer and hype man behind 2003’s "Yeah!" with Usher and Ludacris, will command the stage at M&T Bank Stadium during the Ravens-Bengals night game. His presence isn’t accidental. Baltimore’s hip-hop scene, though less nationally visible than Detroit’s, has long thrived on raw, unfiltered energy — and Lil Jon is the sonic equivalent of a blitzing linebacker. His performance will likely be a full-throttle party, complete with call-and-response chants and crowd-surfing hype. It’s the perfect counterpoint to White’s soulful rock and Malone’s melodic pop-rap fusion.A Tradition Rooted in History
The NFL’s Thanksgiving games aren’t new. The Detroit Lions started the tradition in 1934, turning a struggling franchise into a holiday staple. The Dallas Cowboys joined in 1966, cementing the two-game format. The night game, added in 2006, completed the trifecta. Over the decades, performers have ranged from Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers to Creed and Luke Combs — all chosen for broad appeal. But 2025 feels different. These aren’t just pop stars hired for ratings. They’re storytellers with real ties to the cities they’re playing in. That’s the new playbook.What This Means for Future Halftime Shows
Eminem’s behind-the-scenes role is the real game-changer. For the first time, a team isn’t just booking a performer — it’s curating a cultural experience, using local legends to shape identity. If White is the first pick under this new model, what comes next? Could Big Sean headline in 2026? Could J. Cole take the stage in 2027? The Lions’ partnership with Eminem signals a shift from spectacle to substance — from selling tickets to building community. Meanwhile, Post Malone’s charity integration shows how halftime can be more than entertainment — it can be activism. And Lil Jon? He’s reminding everyone that football and hip-hop have always shared the same heartbeat: rhythm, resilience, and raw emotion.What’s Next?
The performances are scheduled for November 27, 2025, with the Cowboys game airing on CBS, the Lions on FOX, and the Ravens on NBC. But the ripple effects will last longer. Expect more teams to follow Detroit’s lead, seeking local artists with authentic ties rather than just chart-toppers. The NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition, already one of America’s most enduring, may now evolve into a platform for regional identity — one halftime show at a time.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jack White’s performance significant for the Detroit Lions?
Jack White’s selection marks the first halftime show under Eminem’s new executive producer role with the Lions, signaling a strategic shift toward deep local ties. Unlike past performers like Jack Harlow or Big Sean, White’s legacy as a Detroit-born, Grammy-winning rock icon with global influence elevates the event beyond a typical halftime show into a cultural statement about the city’s musical heritage.
How is Post Malone connected to the Dallas Cowboys?
Post Malone grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, after his family moved from New York when he was nine. His father, Wes Post, worked as a concessions manager for the Cowboys for decades. Austin Richard Post attended games as a kid, making this halftime performance a deeply personal homecoming — not just a corporate booking.
What makes Lil Jon’s appearance unique for the Ravens game?
Lil Jon brings the high-octane, party-starting energy that matches Baltimore’s gritty, passionate fan culture. Unlike the more melodic acts seen in previous Thanksgiving games, his set — likely featuring "Yeah!" and "Get Low" — will be a sonic explosion, turning M&T Bank Stadium into a live hip-hop club during the national broadcast.
Is this the first time an NFL team has used a music executive to curate halftime shows?
Yes. While teams have partnered with labels before, Eminem’s official role as executive producer — alongside Paul Rosenberg — is unprecedented. It’s the first time a team has handed creative control of its holiday show to a music icon with deep regional roots, turning halftime into a curated cultural experience rather than a commercial slot.
How does the Salvation Army partnership enhance Post Malone’s performance?
The Red Kettle Kickoff will be integrated directly into the halftime show, with live donation drives and on-field collection kettles activated during Post Malone’s set. This transforms entertainment into philanthropy — a rare move in NFL halftime programming, and one that aligns with the Thanksgiving spirit of giving.
What’s the historical significance of the NFL’s Thanksgiving games?
The Detroit Lions began the tradition in 1934 to boost attendance, and the Dallas Cowboys adopted it in 1966 to gain national exposure. The night game was added in 2006. Together, they’ve become a Thanksgiving ritual for millions — more than just football, but a shared cultural moment. This year’s lineup adds a new layer: music as identity, not just entertainment.