TL;DR
- Detroit Lions partner with Eminem for multi-year Thanksgiving halftime show production.
- Eminem and Paul Rosenberg will select acts and shape the halftime show's structure.
- This collaboration aims to make the Lions' Thanksgiving game a major cultural event.
- Eminem previously joined Jack White for the 2025 Thanksgiving halftime performance.
The Detroit Lions revealed a collaboration prior to their 2025 Thanksgiving Day primetime matchup. Although not entirely unexpected, this decision underscores the significant value the organization places on consistently being featured on the holiday.
Eminem, the rapper, has entered into a multi-year contract with The Lions to manage the event. While he's known for his music, Eminem won't be performing; this arrangement permits him to contribute to the production of the halftime show, including advising on who performs and how the show is conducted to best entertain attendees.
Here’s more on Eminem’s role in producing the Thanksgiving halftime show in Detroit.
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Eminem's part in the Thanksgiving halftime performance
Detroit's own Eminem is a devoted supporter of the Lions. A collaboration has been revealed involving the artist, his manager Paul Rosenberg, and the football team. The franchise released a statement stated, "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 are tasked with not only selecting the acts for the halftime show's headliners but will also contribute to the show's overall structure.
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."
While not necessarily an annual occurrence, Eminem made an appearance during Jack White's halftime performance to launch his producer duties, performing "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
MORE: When was the last time the Lions won on Thanksgiving?
Eminem's past performances during Thanksgiving halftime shows
Prior to his collaboration with Detroit as producer, Eminem had no prior involvement in a Thanksgiving Day halftime show. Kicking off this fresh collaboration, Jack White is slated to perform the Thanksgiving halftime show in 2025. Eminem subsequently delighted his audience by joining the performance.
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 relocated to Detroit when he was 11 years old. This is the city where his music career began, and it's frequently mentioned in his songs.
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Eminem Super Bowl halftime show?
Eminem hasn't been the primary headliner for a halftime show, but he did participate in the 2022 Super Bowl halftime performance. He appeared alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.
Eminem sang "Forget About Dre" and "Lose Yourself."