Summary (tl;dr)

Detroit native and rock icon Jack White headlined the Detroit Lions' 86th annual Thanksgiving Day Classic halftime show against the Green Bay Packers on November 27, 2025, a performance highly anticipated by fans and executive-produced by fellow Detroit artist Eminem.

Essential Background

The Detroit Lions have a long-standing tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day football game, a practice that dates back to 1934 when then-owner George A. Richards aimed to boost ticket sales and national visibility for the team. Over the decades, this event has evolved into a national spectacle, with the halftime show often featuring prominent musical acts. In a new multi-year partnership announced in November 2025, global rap icon Eminem and his long-time manager Paul Rosenberg became executive producers for the Lions' Thanksgiving halftime shows through 2027, with a focus on highlighting Detroit-based talent.

The Full Story

Jack White, a 12-time Grammy Award winner and newly inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The White Stripes, performed during the Verizon Halftime Show for the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers. The event, held at Ford Field in Detroit on November 27, 2025, marked White's first-ever appearance at the stadium. The choice of White, a prominent figure in Detroit's music scene, aligns with Eminem and Rosenberg's vision to showcase local talent. During his performance, White surprised the crowd by bringing out Eminem for a cameo, with Eminem rapping "Til I Collapse." Renowned gospel musician CeCe Winans also performed the national anthem for the event.

Why It Matters

The selection of Jack White, a celebrated Detroit native, for such a high-profile national event reinforces the strong cultural connection between the Detroit Lions, the city of Detroit, and its rich musical heritage. The collaboration with Eminem as an executive producer further amplifies the show's significance, ensuring top-tier performances that resonate with both local pride and a national audience. This annual Thanksgiving halftime show is a highly anticipated cultural moment on the NFL calendar, drawing tens of millions of viewers nationally. The performance, especially with Eminem's surprise appearance, was widely celebrated for its "Detroit" authenticity and energy.

Geographic Location

• Ford Field, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States (Thanksgiving Day halftime performance)