Thanksgiving Day has become an important date in the NFL calendar, symbolizing family, friendship, and food. The league has established a strong presence on television across the United States, capturing the attention of viewers from Jackson, Mississippi, to Juneau, Alaska.
This holiday is not just reserved for football; it’s also a platform for some of the most renowned musical acts to showcase their talents. Over the years, iconic performers such as Creed, Destiny’s Child, Bon Jovi, and Mariah Carey have graced the stage during the league’s Thanksgiving celebrations. Last year, Dolly Parton and Jack Harlow delivered memorable performances in Dallas and Detroit, respectively.
In 2024, during the highly anticipated Thanksgiving matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, rising star Shaboozey will take the halftime stage. The Nigerian-American artist is enjoying a breakout year, having collaborated with Beyoncé on the album “Cowboy Carter” and receiving six Grammy nominations for his acclaimed record, “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.”
Shaboozey’s appearance serves multiple purposes — he is among the hottest acts in the music industry, and this opportunity allows him to connect with a broader audience while honoring his football roots. Before his ascent to stardom, he was a promising football player at Gar-Field Senior High School in Virginia, where he earned his nickname thanks to an amusing mispronunciation of his last name by his coach.
During an interview, Shaboozey reminisced about that early football experience, highlighting how the name stuck with him and eventually became his stage persona. As his music career takes off, he’s also had the chance to celebrate his love for the sport; ESPN even selected his song “Last of My Kind” as the anthem for its ACC college football coverage this year.
Fans can expect the Lions vs. Bears game to kick off around 12:30 p.m. ET, with Shaboozey scheduled to perform at approximately 2 p.m. ET during halftime. Given the Lions’ reputation for fast-paced play, fans might want to tune in a bit earlier in case the game moves along quickly.
This Thanksgiving, the collaboration between music and sport promises to create a memorable experience for viewers, demonstrating how diverse entertainment can enhance the celebration of tradition. The NFL continues to embrace new talent, showcasing how the intersection of sports and music can foster unity and excitement among fans.