The Detroit Lions announced a partnership ahead of their 2025 Thanksgiving Day primetime game. While not a huge surprise, the move highlights how much importance the team places on being one of the franchises that always plays on the holiday.
Rapper Eminem has signed a multi-year deal with the Lions to oversee the show. Despite his musical talents, Eminem will not perform; the agreement allows him to help produce the halftime show, including input on performer selection and how the show is run to maximize entertainment for fans.
Here’s more on Eminem’s role in producing the Thanksgiving halftime show in Detroit.
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Eminem's Thanksgiving halftime show role
Eminem, a Detroit native, is a big Lions fan. A partnership was announced between the rapper, his manager Paul Rosenberg and the Lions. The football franchise released a statement saying, "We're thrilled to be working with Marshall and Paul, who are two of the most accomplished and respected names in the music industry, not to mention longtime Lions fans. Their reputation in the business will attract top-tier talent and help us solidify this annual performance as one of the most anticipated cultural moments on the NFL calendar."
Eminem and Rosenberg will be charged with not only identifying the acts that should headline the halftime show, but will also help the structure of the show.
Rosenberg released a statement, saying, "It's an honor for us to team up with the Lions and be a part of the greatest tradition in Detroit sports. We look forward to putting together unforgettable shows featuring world-class artists for the fans at Ford Field and the tens of millions watching around the country."
It may not be an every-year thing, but to kick off his role as producer, Eminem showed up during Jack White's halftime show and sang "Till I Collapse."
Eminem joins Jack White on stage for the NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Show! Pic.twitter.com/gtIkusVtWR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 27, 2025
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Eminem Thanksgiving halftime show history
Eminem had never been part of a Thanksgiving Day halftime show before partnering with Detroit as producer. To begin this new partnership, Jack White will perform the Thanksgiving halftime show in 2025. Eminem then surprised fans joining in the show.
MORE: Explaining why the Lions always play on Thanksgiving
Is Eminem a Lions fan?
Yes. Eminem was born in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1972. He and his mother moved to Detroit when he was 11. It is the city where his music career started, and is often referenced in his music.
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Has Eminem performed at a Super Bowl halftime show?
Yes. Eminem has not been the main headliner for a halftime show, but he was part of the halftime show for the 2022 Super Bowl. He joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.
Eminem sang "Forget About Dre" and "Lose Yourself."