Jack White and Eminem just turned Lions versus Packers into a special game

Detroit has a long history of blending sports, music, and culture, and this year’s Thanksgiving NFL game proved once again why the city’s spirit is unmatched. The Detroit Lions hosting the Green Bay Packers was already a big moment, but what happened at halftime turned it into something fans will be talking about for years.

That’s exactly why I’m writing this, because this performance wasn’t just entertainment; it was a reminder of Detroit’s place in rap, hip hop, and rock history.

Every year, millions of people across the country tune in to the NFL’s Thanksgiving tripleheader. But this time, the Motor City had something special prepared. Fans inside Ford Field came ready for football, but they ended up witnessing a cultural moment that blended Detroit pride with powerhouse music legends.

Eminem and Jack White deliver a Detroit moment to remember

And honestly, it’s moments like this that show how closely sports and music connect us.

This performance deserves attention because it wasn’t only about surprise cameos or big names. It marked a new chapter for Detroit’s role in NFL entertainment, a chapter led by the city’s own hip-hop icon, Eminem. With how deeply he’s shaped rap and hip-hop culture, it felt only right to highlight a moment that brought Detroit’s identity straight to the national spotlight.

Ford Field was buzzing long before kickoff, but when Jack White stepped onto the halftime stage, the energy shifted fast. Known for his legendary work with The White Stripes, White brought the gritty, powerful Detroit rock sound fans know so well. But no one was prepared for what came next.

Eminem walked onto the field, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy. Together, the two Detroit icons delivered a charged performance of “Till I Collapse,” a song that has long become an anthem in both rap and sports culture. According to videos captured by TSN Sports, the entire stadium erupted the moment Em started his verse. It wasn’t just music; it was Detroit claiming its spotlight.

Eminem takes on a bigger role in Detroit’s Thanksgiving tradition

What many fans didn’t know is that Eminem’s appearance wasn’t just a quick pop-in. The rapper has officially signed a multi-year deal with the Detroit Lions as the executive producer of their annual Thanksgiving halftime shows. Working alongside his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, Eminem is now part of shaping how Detroit represents itself on one of the NFL’s biggest days of the year.

His goal? Turn Detroit’s Thanksgiving performance into a tradition as iconic as the game itself. That means more creativity, more culture, and more of the raw hip-hop influence that has defined Eminem’s entire career. And honestly, with Detroit’s deep roots in rap, hip hop, and rock, this partnership feels like the perfect match.